Liverpool survives scare, advances to CL title game
Liverpool players stared at each other in disbelief. By the bench, manager Jürgen Klopp watched in awe.
Just like that, Liverpool had squandered its two-goal lead from the first leg of the Champions League semifinals against Villarreal, and its spot in the final was suddenly in jeopardy.
Would Liverpool be the latest powerhouse to be stunned by the modest Spanish club? Would its bid for a seventh European title end in disappointment?
Luckily for the English club, it was only a scare.
Liverpool rallied in the second half to defeat Villarreal 3-2 and reach its third Champions League final in five seasons on Tuesday. It advanced 5-2 on aggregate at the La Cerámica Stadium.
Unai Emery's team played a man down from the 86th after Étienne Capoue, who assisted on both Villarreal's goals, was sent off with a second yellow card.
NFL
SAINTS AGREE WITH MATHIEU ON 3-YEAR, $33M DEAL >>
The New Orleans Saints and Tyrann Mathieu have agreed to a three-year, $33 million contract, reuniting the All-Pro safety with his hometown team, a person familiar with the terms told The Associated Press.
The person confirmed the contract, first reported by ESPN.com, on condition of anonymity because it was not yet signed. It includes $18 million guaranteed, a sizeable investment for a safety who turns 30 next week.
The Saints had been searching for help at the position after Marcus Williams signed with the Ravens in free agency and Malcom Jenkins announced his retirement in March. The only defensive back they drafted was Tennessee's Alontae Taylor in the second round, but he is expected to remain at his natural cornerback position.
MLB
TWINS INF SANÓ HAVING KNEE SURGERY, NO TIMELINE FOR RETURN >>
Minnesota Twins infielder Miguel Sanó will undergo surgery to repair a meniscus tear in his left knee and there's no timeframe for his return, manager Rocco Baldelli said.
Sanó was placed on the 10-day injured list Monday. He sustained the injury on
April 26 while celebrating Minnesota's 5-4 victory over the Tigers, a game decided on the final play.
Horse racing
MO.-BASED COMPANY HIRED TO POLICE DRUGS IN US HORSE RACING >> A deal for Drug Free Sport International to police medication in horse racing was announced, two months before the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority takes effect.
The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency had been set to become the regulator for antidoping and medication control for thoroughbred racing. But in late December, the deal stalled.
Drug Free Sport International has overseen testing and enforcement with the NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAA,
both men's and women's pro golf tours and NASCAR.
Tennis
DJOKOVIC TOPS MONFILS IN MADRID IN HIS `BEST' MATCH OF YEAR >>
Novak Djokovic feels like the hard work is starting to pay off.
Trying to regain his best form after a slow start to the season, Djokovic looked sharp in his opening match at the Madrid Open, defeating Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the third round.
“I would probably rate it as the best performance of the year. I felt very good on the court,” the topranked Djokovic said after saving all five break points he faced and converting the three he had against the 21st-ranked Frenchman.