DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — After Monday night’s horrific crash to end the 62nd running of the Daytona 500, everyone at Daytona Int’l Speedway and in the racing world took pause thinking of Ryan Newman.

To end the night knowing Newman was, at the very least, alive was something to be extremely thankful for.

Because, frankly, he probably shouldn’t be. How he survived is something beyond comprehension.

The hit that Newman absorbed coming to the finish line of The Great American Race is one that looked like it came straight out of a video game. His car was upside down, on fire, skidding in a shower of sparks.

All that alone was bad enough. Then to see Corey LaJoie’s oncoming car impact Newman’s upside-down, helpless machine just about square in the driver’s window at 200 mph was enough to make everyone’s heart stop cold.

It looked unfathomable because it was unfathomable … right up until it actually happened.

Those watching at the track stood still and cried, as did many more that I know of who were watching on television. The shock, horror and fear was only amplified when black screens went up around the accident scene as safety crews worked feverishly to extricate Newman from his stricken car.

From there, he was transported straight to Halifax Health Medical Center.

As the minutes ticked on with no word, an unnerving, almost spooky silence descended over Daytona. No one knew what to say or what to think. In that moment, there really was nothing that could be said.

It was a feeling that those who were in attendance for the 2001 Daytona 500, when Dale Earnhardt was killed in a last-lap crash, have compared to that afternoon and evening. Some of those that I communicated with back home were already prepared for the worst-case scenario.

To be truthful, I’m not sure I can blame them for thinking like that.

But Newman’s crash was vastly different than Earnhardt’s was. From the moment of that second impact between LaJoie’s car and Newman’s, it was clear how bad the situation was.

The crash was beyond vicious. Horrific and gruesome might be better adjectives. It was even worse to watch on replay, a replay this reporter wishes hadn’t had to be replayed over and over again.

It was a crash that was enough to bring even the strongest onlookers to their knees, enough to make many expect the worst.

Then, just after 10 p.m. ET Monday night, Roush Fenway Racing and NASCAR officials provided the news we all hoped to hear.

Newman was alive. He was in “serious condition,” yes, but his injuries were viewed as non-life-threatening by doctors. That in itself was a blessing compared to what could have been.

What could have been also applied to the last 500 yards of The Great American Race, as far as Newman was concerned. He was within moments of winning the Daytona 500 for the second time.

Ryan Blaney had pushed Newman to the lead on the backstretch during the final lap of overtime and Blaney was “committed to pushing him to the win” before the pair’s bumpers misaligned entering the tri-oval and Newman’s car went spinning, crashing and flying through the air.

Race winner Denny Hamlin celebrated briefly before learning of the severity of Newman’s accident, and was quick to note in the media center during the post-race winner’s press conference that “I think we take for granted sometimes how safe the cars are. But number one (thing), we’re praying for Ryan.”

Hamlin’s point is something that even made me stop and think. As the web editor for www.sprintcarandmidget.com, I deal with arguably the most dangerous short-track cars in racing.

With sprint cars and midgets, the mortality of drivers is something that side of the sport has dealt with too many times in recent years. It’s well known that those cars, often darty and with open wheels and largely open cockpits, don’t have as many of the advanced safety measures as NASCAR stock cars have.

Those safety measures are something that, when I transition back into the NASCAR garage to cover stock-car racing, maybe even I take for granted — not always thinking about the inherent danger that’s still there.

We were all starkly reminded of that danger Monday night. After Earnhardt’s death in 2001, the advent of SAFER Barriers, HANS Devices and other safety implementations all combined to help keep drivers from dying at the top level of the sport in the same way that Earnhardt, Kenny Irwin, Adam Petty and others had.

But because drivers are no longer dying or injured as frequently as they once were, doesn’t mean racing, at its core, isn’t still a dangerous sport.

As of 10:30 a.m. Tuesday morning, there were no additional specifics available regarding Newman’s condition, and there likely won’t be any updates for a bit longer until the situation stabilizes itself further. When there are updates to be passed along, that information will be provided.

However, after the latest scary superspeedway crash involving Newman — and there have been several through the years — only one thing needs to be focused on in the immediate future.

Ryan Newman is alive. And that alone should be considered a win compared to what could have been.

While it's still a few months away, Brooks Koepka is eager to take on his latest chance at history.

Koepka fell just short of three consecutive U.S. Open wins last summer, finishing second behind Gary Woodland at Pebble Beach. But this year he'll have another shot at a three-peat when the PGA Championship heads to TPC Harding Park for the first time.

Koepka and Tiger Woods are the only players to go back-to-back at the PGA since World War II, and for three in a row you have to go back nearly 100 years to Walter Hagen, who won four straight from 1924-27. But that was under a match-play format, and no player has won three straight PGAs in stroke play.

Koepka will have that chance in May, and speaking to reporters Monday in San Francisco for media day he explained that it's an opportunity he's embracing.

"I like that. Everybody wants to be in that spot. There's nothing wrong with it. Obviously they are all [gunning for you] because you did something good, and that's what you want," Koepka said. "It's not a normal event, you know. It's a major. You're hyped up and you're pumped to play and ready to go. Just get out there and do what you're supposed to do."

Koepka's lone competitive experience at TPC Harding Park came during the 2015 WGC-Match Play, when he went 2-1 in group play but failed to advance to the knockout round. While he recently lost the world No. 1 ranking to Rory McIlroy, who won that 2015 event at Harding Park, Koepka expects his injured knee to be at 100 percent by the time the Wanamaker Trophy is once again on the line this spring.

"I'll be physically ready. I've got plenty of time," he said. "It's something I'm not worried about. It is walking, so it's not too bad. But at the same time, downhill is a little bit of a struggle. But other than that, everything else is good."

FC Cincinnati coach Ron Jans has resigned as investigations continue into racial slurs he allegedly made.

The club, which confirmed his departure in a statement Tuesday, had previously told ESPN that Jans "stepped away" from coaching duties while the investigation was ongoing.

"As Major League Soccer's investigation unfolded and some themes emerged, Ron offered his resignation and we agreed that it was the best course of action for everyone involved with FC Cincinnati," club president Jeff Berding said.

"We place the utmost importance on a strong culture within our club, beginning in our locker room, and that every person connected with FC Cincinnati feels valued, respected and trusted. Racial and cultural diversity is a major part of what makes the game of soccer so special, and we place the highest priority on respecting every person involved in our game. This includes absolutely everyone associated with our club, from our locker room and front office, all the way through to our fans."

ESPN's Taylor Twellman tweeted on Friday that Jans told Berding that the incident involved the coach singing a song in the locker room that contained the N-word.

An ESPN source then confirmed a Cincinnati Enquirer report that the complaint included a reference to remarks Jans made about slavery after the team visited Washington memorials in advance of an Oct. 6 game against D.C. United.

"The Players Association was very recently made aware of extremely inappropriate comments made by FC Cincinnati coach Ron Jans," the MLSPA said in a statement at the time.

"We have made a report to the appropriate league officials and expect an immediate and thorough league investigation to be conducted."

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FC Cincinnati are due to start the regular season on March 1. The club confirmed that Yoann Damet would serve as the club's interim coach until a new appointment can be made.

The team issued the following statement when the allegations were revealed:

"FC Cincinnati was founded and operates with three core values: (1) being inclusive and family-friendly, (2) having a strong and visible presence in the community, and (3) winning on the field.

"When club leadership was made aware of the allegation, we were very surprised as building a caring and committed culture has been a focus of Ron's leadership. We want to fully understand the nature of the incident and allow for an environment for our players to speak freely to any locker room issues. Therefore, while both the Club and Major League Soccer work together, Ron will step away from the team during the investigation."

Jans took up the role last August but didn't experience much success, with the team finishing bottom of the Eastern Conference in 2019.

If he is lucky, Thomas Lemar might just find himself sitting among the Atletico Madrid substitutes for Tuesday's Champions League round-of-16 clash against Liverpool. Had he been even luckier, the French forward would have been preparing to take on Diego Simeone's team as a key cog in Liverpool's attempts to defend the European Cup.

As it stands, Lemar, 24, is simply waiting for his nightmare in Madrid to come to an end after securing a dream move to the Wanda Metropolitano in July 2018.

Lemar's move to Atletico Madrid happened less than a year after Liverpool had booked a medical for the player, believing they had sealed a deal with Monaco for the youngster in the final days of the 2017 summer transfer window. Since missing out on that move to Anfield, Lemar's career has stalled. Only last month, Atletico coach Simeone admitted that the Spanish club were open to offers for Lemar during the January window, with the Argentine delivering a blunt assessment of his season-and-a-half at the club.

"The facts speak for themselves, better than words," said Simeone about Lemar's time at the club. "It is certain that he [Lemar] has not been able to show all his qualities. Each time that he has been available, I have tried to play him and I have always been enthusiastic about his qualities as a player. He has not met the expectations set for him, but we have always had the same expectations."

Of course, Liverpool have moved on pretty successfully since their near-miss with Lemar, reaching two Champions League finals (winning one) and spending £75 million on defender Virgil van Dijk in the subsequent January 2018 window. As for Lemar, things could not have gone much worse. Monaco had been holding out for £92m for the left-sided forward when Liverpool and Arsenal fought for his signature in late-summer 2017, but when they eventually sold him 11 months later, he still went to Atletico for the substantial figure of £63m.

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As a player capable of playing out wide or as a No. 10, Lemar emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in Europe during Monaco's run to the Champions League semifinals in 2017, scoring 14 goals in 55 games in all competitions. Kylian Mbappe, Bernardo Silva and Radamel Falcao stole the headlines during Monaco's remarkable run to the last four, but Lemar was not far behind in terms of his impact. Suffice to say, Liverpool were frustrated to miss out on a player Jurgen Klopp believed could be a transformative force. That player turned out to be Mohamed Salah.

Earlier this month, after introducing Lemar as a second-half substitute during the 1-0 defeat against Real Madrid, Simeone once again questioned the contribution of the France international when he said: "Lemar came on and couldn't respond to the game in the way we needed."

So how has one of Europe's brightest young talents failed so spectacularly to shine at Atletico?

The statistics are fairly damning. In 23 appearances this season, he has yet to score or create a goal for Simeone's side, who go into the Liverpool tie sitting in fourth position in La Liga, marginally ahead of fifth-placed Sevilla on goal difference. Last season was little better, with Lemar scoring just three times and registering six assists, in 43 appearances. Simeone has struggled to find a role for Lemar, but equally, the player himself has found it almost impossible to adjust to the demands of playing for Atletico, who have always been one of the most tenacious and hardest-working teams in Europe under Simeone. A source close to Lemar told ESPN that his failure to succeed is down to several factors, but that ultimately, Atletico was the wrong choice for the player.

"He is a good kid," the source told ESPN. "He is a good professional with a good entourage: he has his own chef, personal physio and he doesn't go out or drink. But Atleti were the wrong choice. He doesn't fit the way they play and he is too much of an introvert, too nice maybe, to be a real Simeone player.

"Lemar thought that working with Simeone would make him tougher and make him a more complete player, but it hasn't worked out for him. He didn't think that the Premier League was the right league for him and that Spain was more suited to his qualities and he is probably right."

Lemar's fee and his wages, in excess of £200,000 a week, priced him out of a move away from Atletico last month, but it is likely that a deal will be found for him to leave the club this summer. Where he goes next, however, is the big question.

He is not convinced by the prospect of a move to England and a return to France is only likely if Paris Saint-Germain develop an interest. It could have been a different story had he moved to Liverpool, but the big loser in that failed deal was Lemar. When he watches from the bench on Tuesday, that reality will hit home for the former Monaco star.

With the Premier League race over, PSG running away with Ligue 1 and Bayern and Juventus seemingly in charge of the Bundesliga and Serie A, respectively, we might have to look to the UEFA Champions League for our soccer drama between now and May. The action returns in force this week with the start of the last-16: All 16 teams still standing are from Europe's top five leagues, and there's upset potential up and down the draw.

Will holders Liverpool successfully defend their crown or are we destined to get a new champion? What can we expect from Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona? How about RB Leipzig, who have soared from nowhere to challenge Bayern domestically but have more than enough talent to cause a shock in Europe, too?

Consider this your ultimate guide to the first knockout round of the biggest club competition in soccer.

Jump to: Viewing guide and predictions | Burning questions

Your first-leg viewing guide and predictions

Presented in order of watchability from "must-see TV" to "DVR for later," Gab Marcotti breaks down all eight first legs of the last-16.

REAL MADRID vs. MAN CITY
- First leg: 2/26, 3 p.m. ET

Despite a string of injuries this season, most notably to record signing Eden Hazard, Real are leading la Liga and would love nothing more than crushing Pep Guardiola's dream of a third Champions League crown. Especially given the fact that after his City side have been hit with a two-year ban from European competition, he won't be getting another crack at it for a while.

PREDICTION: Tense, thrilling draw sets up possible drama at the Etihad

DORTMUND vs. PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN
- First leg: 2/18, 3 p.m. ET

This has the potential to be the most wide-open and popcorn-worthy tie of the round. Both sides love to score, and score often: Kylian Mbappe and Neymar may be the most glamorous pair of forwards in the game right now, but the Dortmund duo of Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho could one day supplant them. The German side aren't what they used to be defensively but have more than enough in attack to trouble the French champions.

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PREDICTION: Borussia Dortmund to strike first against French elite

ATALANTA vs. VALENCIA
- First leg: 2/19, 3 p.m. ET

Free-scoring Atalanta's high-energy, high-press, all-out attack has made them among the highest scorers in Europe, and they've done it on a shoestring budget, coaxing goals galore from Papu Gomez, Josip Ilicic and Luis Muriel. Sometimes, it looks as if they're simply playing a different sport. Valencia have had a rough season and have already changed managers this year, but they're a classic feast-or-famine foe, and you just don't know what you're going to get.

PREDICTION: Atalanta to take advantage

CHELSEA vs. BAYERN MUNICH
- First leg: 2/25, 3 p.m. ET

Bayern had a major wobble at the start of the campaign but are back to their laser-focused selves in 2020, marching toward more silverware domestically and, they hope, in Europe. Interim boss Hansi Flick has revived Thomas Muller's form and gotten more out of Serge Gnabry, while Robert Lewandowski might be the best pure scorer in the modern game.

Chelsea have punched well above their weight with a bunch of homegrown youngsters in Frank Lampard's first season as manager, but it remains to be seen if they can hold their own against one of the most relentless and experienced footballing machines around.

PREDICTION: First-leg draw sets up fun in Munich

TOTTENHAM vs. RB LEIPZIG
- First leg: 2/19, 3 p.m. ET

Jose Mourinho -- as he'll no doubt remind you -- has won this competition twice and knows what it takes to get it done in a two-legged format, though he'll be without star striker Harry Kane, who is injured. Without the talismanic No. 9, plenty will be expected of Heung-Min Son around goal while Giovani Lo Celso looks ready to be the anchor of Tottenham's midfield and transition game.

Leipzig are the ultimate intangible: At 32, manager Julian Nagelsmann is a veritable wunderkind who relies on a defensive beast (Dayot Upamecano), a deadeye pest of a scorer (Timo Werner) and plenty of hard running and tactical creativity in between. They have the talent to catch teams on the counter.

PREDICTION: Tottenham to seize control

ATLETICO MADRID vs. LIVERPOOL
- First leg: 2/18, 3 p.m. ET

The contrast in styles is sharp -- deep defending vs. high energy, hunt 'em down, full-court press -- but the ethos is the same for both teams known for their gritty, tough and uncompromising attitude. The problem is that Atletico Madrid are trying to (unsuccessfully) transition from the system that brought them to a success to a more open style, whereas Liverpool boast clockwork efficiency and are finding many different ways to win games under Jurgen Klopp this season.

PREDICTION: Liverpool to walk on with first leg win

NAPOLI vs. BARCELONA
- First leg: 2/25, 3 p.m. ET

Funnily enough, these are the only two teams that have beaten Liverpool's first team since Jan. 3, 2019, but both are going through a bumpy patch. Napoli changed managers in December, have a number of players in contractual disputes and are midtable in Serie A. Europe appears their only hope for joy this season. Barcelona have suffered key injuries (Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba), have also changed managers and are still coming to grips with new boss Quique Setien's old school, press-and-possess style.

Past editions of Barca have been reliant on Lionel Messi for that burst of inspiration, but it has become a dependence in 2020. If he's on, this game becomes routine. If he's not, they're in trouble.

PREDICTION: Barcelona to take a lead back to Camp Nou

LYON vs. JUVENTUS
- First leg: 2/26, 3 p.m. ET

Lyon are yet another club to have changed managers in midseason and while Rudi Garcia has righted the ship to some degree, they're still midtable in Ligue 1. The silver lining: They're getting great performances from the most hyped 16-year-old in the game, Rayan Cherki.

After eight straight Serie A crowns, Juventus did a 180-degree turn in the summer, bringing in new boss Maurizio Sarri with a view toward becoming more attack-minded. It's definitely a work in progress though Cristiano Ronaldo's run of 10 straight Serie A games with a goal (and 20 league goals in 20 games) has been their saving grace on many occasions this season. At 35, he's in the form of his life. Will that continue in the Champions League?

PREDICTION: Juve all the way given Cristiano Ronaldo's scoring spree

Big questions to be answered in the round of 16

Looking to make sense of the talking points in Europe's top competition? ESPN's writers have you covered.

Who's under more pressure: Zidane or Guardiola?

There's more pressure on Pep Guardiola, no question about it. It's not just the 25 points separating Manchester City from the top of the Premier League, or the fact that he may be watching the next two Champions' Leagues on TV due to his club's FFP violations, or even the fact that having won two Premier League titles delivering the biggest trophy in club football is the last unconquered peak. Rather, as Guardiola himself has admitted, he puts an absurd amount of pressure on himself. Not so much in terms of achieving results, but in terms of the process his teams go through to get there.

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Real Madrid, on the other hand, is a perpetual hot seat, but Zinedine Zidane has more padding than most. The great stone-face has been there, done that, and his team are sitting top of La Liga, a competition they've won just once in the past seven years. -- Gab Marcotti

Can Simeone spring a surprise vs. Liverpool?

Something odd happened when Atletico Madrid played Leganes on Jan. 26. Or, perhaps more accurately, nothing happened. And that's exactly the point.

There was a moment in the second half when Diego Simeone turned toward the fans and began to do the kind of gesture he has done a thousand times before, raising his arms to try to get them going. But as he began, the reaction was not as immediate or as unanimous as it used to be (it barely existed at all, in fact), and almost as soon as he had started, he stopped again. It wasn't a big deal, perhaps, and most people wouldn't even have noticed, but for those that did and who know it wasn't normal, it added to the feeling that something is not right.

For a brief moment, it was as if the man Unai Emery once described as "war personified" wasn't fighting any more. He stood alone. In front of him, Atletico don't look like his team, the players are not his sort of players, the demands are not what they once were, the identity is not, either, and the results are worse than they have ever been under him. They're not even the second-best team in Madrid anymore, let alone the first. Out of the cup, out of the league and, most suspect, soon to be out of the Champions League.

There is little faith, an inescapable, overwhelming awareness that Liverpool are the better team and that the odds are stacked against them. But then, that's the way Atletico always liked it. And if they are to get back in touch with themselves, if this is to feel like a Simeone side again, a rebellion with the odds stacked against them, maybe that's what they need. -- Sid Lowe

Dortmund vs. PSG is the best game of the round, right?

I don't even need to tell you, as you know this already. Regardless of your team or whom you support, you know that this is the tie of the last-16. There is nowhere else this month where you will find so much attacking talent, so many ballers. Who will have the most nutmegs: Neymar or Jadon Sancho? Who will score the most beautiful goal: Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappé? Who will be the most exposed defensively: Keylor Navas or Roman Burki? Who will get his tactics right: Lucien Favre or Thomas Tuchel?

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You know there will be loads of goals, loads of entertainment and loads of drama. The pressure is certainly on PSG and Tuchel, for his return to Dortmund (and it will be fascinating to see what reception he gets from the Yellow Wall). The French champions can't afford to be knocked out early again in this Champions League. They believe they have the best and most balanced squad they have ever had. But the Germans also have faith in themselves and in their ability to cause problems for any opponent. -- Julien Laurens

Who will step up next to Messi for Barcelona?

If there was any quiet jubilation around the Camp Nou when the Champions League draw paired them with Napoli, it has firmly dissipated now.

Napoli don't have a pedigree in this competition, let alone one that bears comparison with FC Barcelona. Napoli closed out 2019 needing to change coach, seventh in Serie A and already 17 points off the top. Barca, under Ernesto Valverde, topped their Champions League group and led La Liga, and their two strikers had shared 28 goals between Europe and the domestic title chase. Now Luis Suarez is injured, Valverde sacked, Messi goal-shy, Ousmane Dembele out for the season and Messi's other great playing ally, Jordi Alba, won't be fit to play in the San Paolo stadium.

Troubled times.

Moreover, while new manager Quique Setien is introducing ideas that this team badly needs -- a sharper use of possession, much more intense training sessions -- it somewhat feels as if Barcelona's depleted squad are struggling to cope. His side looks obedient, but they also look sluggish. All Setien's victories have been by a maximum of one goal, have looked in jeopardy and are unlikely to frighten Rino Gattuso's re-energised Napoli.

Fundamentally, Barcelona's recently unrequited love affair with the Champions League simply has to spark some kind of elemental competitive reaction, Messi must start scoring again and Marc-Andre ter Stegen needs to continue his glittering form or else, remarkably, Napoli will look like slight favourites to many. -- Graham Hunter

Is the Champions League too top-heavy or should we just enjoy the show?

This year's last-16 feels like a logical end point to a direction of travel that's been glaringly obvious for some time. Obviously, there's nothing wrong with the best teams in Europe facing one another: That's the whole point of the competition, and taken on its own, there are bound to be some exceptional games of football.

It is also true to point out that certain match-ups between the continent's elite are slowly gaining their own folklore in the eyes of the modern fan, such is their regularity. But the overwhelming domination of five super-wealthy leagues and their clubs comes at the expense of the diversity, intrigue and genuine unpredictability that makes the sport itself so great. It said plenty that Ajax, who have won this competition four times, were regarded with such astonishment when they reached the semi-finals last year.

Football's landscape is an ever-shifting one and nobody is expecting a return to the period between 1981 and '91, when sides from seven different countries -- including Yugoslavia and Romania -- won the European Cup, at least not yet. But surely the possibility of that is what should make this competition great.

The spectre of a closed shop is drawing ever nearer; it should concern everyone, and, while nobody should be discouraged from enjoying the games in their own right, it's worth asking yourself if this is the future you want for our sport. -- Nick Ames

Can Nagelsmann seal his status as the next 'Special One' vs. Mourinho?

Julian Nagelsmann quickly became Germany's most promising coach, but now the 32-year-old is looking to take the next step. Before coaches become great by winning, most show signs of moving in that direction. Nagelsmann has done that, and now his next opportunity to move toward greatness has come. If Nagelsmann can get the better of a serial winner such as Jose Mourinho, it will show that the young coach has more than promise: He has the ability to win when it really matters. The Bundesliga might be exciting, but the value of success on the European stage is unparalleled.

Victory against a Premier League opponent and a coach such as Mourinho would be a massive step forward for Nagelsmann. He's already on the coaching map, but win here and he becomes a major attraction. To do that, he'll have to outfox a coach and a personality who has been here many times before. He will also have to prove that he can create a plan to handle deep-lying, counterattacking opponents. After RB Leipzig failed to do so against Frankfurt and showed up for only half the game vs. Bayern, this is the ultimate test for the young head coach. -- Jonathan Harding

Which Serie A side has the best shot of moving on?

Jurgen Klopp has named Juventus favourites for the competition, which is odd timing considering how vulnerable the Old Lady appears at the moment. Napoli have tended to raise their game against top sides this season, taking four points from six against Liverpool and recently defeating Italy's top three. Honestly though, it's hard to look beyond Atalanta.

Manager Gian Piero Gasperini feels the draw for the round of 16, against Valencia, couldn't have been kinder and his players have shown they're acclimated to the speed and skill expected at this level. After becoming the first team ever to qualify for the knockouts with zero points from their opening three games, impossible is nothing to the Bergamaschi. Atalanta have already made more in TV and prize money than the total cost of their wage bill and with a return to the competition looking likely next season, they can play with minds at rest and smiles on their faces.

It may still be a bit of a leap to nominate them this season's Ajax, but for now, Atalanta seem the healthiest and most in-form Italian side left in the Champions League. -- James Horncastle

Which young talent will seize the spotlight in the last-16?

The latter stages of the Champions League is when whispers become roars regarding certain up-and-coming stars, so who should we keep an eye on as the last 32 approaches? Let's start with someone who has already announced his arrival. Erling Haaland has eight goals in 305 Bundesliga minutes for Borussia Dortmund, and is about to face a fragile PSG defence. They also have this kid called Jadon Sancho, too.

Ideally, Ansu Fati would be only on the fringes of the Barcelona team, but things are far from ideal at the Nou Camp. Injuries to Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele mean that the 17-year-old is a regular by necessity though he certainly has the talent: Fati could do some damage against Napoli. At 16, Lyon's Rayan Cherki is even younger than Fati: Lyon have been more cautious because they're able to be, but if things aren't going to plan against Juventus, we could see him unleashed.

Finally, Callum Hudson-Odoi has endured a slightly stop-start time at Chelsea since he rejected Bayern Munich and stayed at Stamford Bridge, but he has found some form recently. It would be very apt if he did some damage against the very team he turned down. -- Nick Miller

Michael Hussey is hopeful that his stint with Australia's T20 team will continue throughout their preparation for the World Cup in October, and into the tournament itself.

Justin Langer has made a point of using former players as backroom staff, often bringing them in for a series at a time on an informal basis. Hussey linked up with the squad ahead of their T20I series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the home summer, and has travelled to South Africa with them in a flexible role.

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"I'm hoping to stay involve with the T20 team leading up to and through the World Cup," Hussey said. "It's a fantastic environment. I really like the guys: they work so hard, and there's a lot of excitement around the team with that T20 World Cup on our own doorstep and not too far away.

"They're really focused and driven to do well, and motivated to try and put in good performances to be in that squad and have a chance of winning the World Cup.

"I'm not exactly sure what [my] title is, whether it's mentor, batting coach, or whatever. But I don't really mind, I just want to get in there and help out however I can, and throw a lot of balls, I guess."

Hussey filled a similar role at the last T20 World Cup, where he was hired as a consultant, and his short-form coaching experience also includes the batting coach job at Chennai Super Kings as well as a role as director of cricket at Sydney Thunder.

Australia have placed a greater focus on role clarity among their batsmen in the current cycle of T20I cricket, after their 2016 World T20 campaign turned into something of a debacle. With a coterie of top-order batsmen in their squad, David Warner was used at No. 3 or 4, and Shane Watson shifted down from opener to finisher three matches into the tournament.

"I'm rapt that [Matthew Wade] has got an opportunity and I really hope he can cement his place in that middle order, because he's playing brilliantly well at the moment" Michael Hussey

But partly thanks to Alex Carey's emergence, this year looks to be different, with Warner, Aaron Finch and Steven Smith emerging as the first-choice top three and Carey, Glenn Maxwell and one other batsman likely to form No. 4-6. Maxwell's injury means there will likely be opportunities for Matthew Wade and Mitchell Marsh in the middle order, with the No. 7 spot filled by a bowling allrounder - either Ashton Agar or Sean Abbott.

Wade has been used exclusively as an opener in recent years by the Hobart Hurricanes, but is seen as a versatile option, not least with his ability as a back-up wicketkeeper. He has a good record against spin (139.2 strike rate, 76.00 average) over the last two Big Bash seasons, and Hussey backed him to make the most of his middle-order opportunity.

"I've been more focusing on the middle-order guys," said Hussey, who spent 21 of his 30 T20I innings batting between No. 4 and No. 7 and played one of the great innings by a finisher in the semi-final of the 2010 World T20.

"I played with Matty Wade, but I really like the place he's in at the moment with his game - he has a great understanding of his game now, and he also has perspective on life and the game as well. It's not the be-all and end-all, although it's still very important to him.

"So I'm rapt that he's got an opportunity and I really hope he can take his opportunity and cement his place in that middle order, because he's playing brilliantly well at the moment. I get on well with all the guys - Alex Carey, and Mitch Marsh [who] I obviously know quite well from WA."

Conditions in South Africa are likely to be alien, with the series starting at altitude in Johannesburg on Friday night, but Hussey said that Australia should be able to adapt. He also suggested that in the World Cup, Australia hold something of an edge due to their knowledge of local conditions, and the side's ability to manipulate ground dimensions to their advantage.

"The boys were a bit tired from yesterday's session, just getting used to the altitude. It's obviously something we don't have to contend with back in Australia. It is different, and for a number of guys it's their first time here, so it's a great experience for them.

"You've got to try and adapt, and there might be different ways to score your 10 or 12 runs an over. It's certainly a focus in our team, the running between the wickets, and that's something this team really prides themselves on, particularly Davey and Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell when he's playing - they're brilliant runners between the wicket.

"I think there's a balance, certainly with the big grounds - it's not easy to just stand there and smash it out of the park. Without doubt, I think it's certainly going to be a point of difference. But I don't want to give away too many secrets leading into the World Cup."

Dimitri Mascarenhas has signed a two-year deal to stay on as Middlesex's specialist T20 bowling coach.

Mascarenhas, whose arrival at the county last summer coincided with an upturn in results in short-form cricket, has held several coaching roles since his retirement from the game in 2014, including stints with New Zealand, Otago, Melbourne Renegades and Otago.

He will also be an assistant coach to Shane Warne in the Hundred next season, staying at Lord's alongside Eoin Morgan following the Blast to work with London Spirit.

"Dimi's laid back, calm persona is a great asset and his coaching style reflects this trait," said Stuart Law, Middlesex's director of cricket.

"He has simple methods that resonate well with the boys and allows the players to grow, while guiding them through. We're really looking forward to working with Dimi again during the T20 Blast campaign this season."

Middlesex reached the knock-out stages of the Blast for only the second time since winning the competition in 2008 last season, with their five-man bowling attack coming to the fore.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman has signed to return as an overseas player, while the Cricketer magazine has reported that Law hopes to sign an allrounder alongside him, with Mitchell Marsh one possible target. AB de Villiers is unlikely to return, with the Blast directly following the IPL season and workload management a concern ahead of a potential international comeback in time for the T20 World Cup.

"I loved my time last year and felt we made some progress on the bowling front and as a team," said Mascarenhas. "The opportunity to work with Stu Law and Nic Pothas, two international-level coaches, is extremely exciting and brilliant for my development.

"The squad is very similar to last season and I'm sure we can make a huge play for the finals again. I can't wait to join up with the squad and continue what we started last year."

FC Cincinnati coach Ron Jans has resigned as investigations continue into racial slurs he allegedly made.

The club, which confirmed his departure in a statement Tuesday, had previously told ESPN that Jans "stepped away" from coaching duties while the investigation was ongoing.

"As Major League Soccer's investigation unfolded and some themes emerged, Ron offered his resignation and we agreed that it was the best course of action for everyone involved with FC Cincinnati," club president Jeff Berding said.

"We place the utmost importance on a strong culture within our club, beginning in our locker room, and that every person connected with FC Cincinnati feels valued, respected and trusted. Racial and cultural diversity is a major part of what makes the game of soccer so special, and we place the highest priority on respecting every person involved in our game. This includes absolutely everyone associated with our club, from our locker room and front office, all the way through to our fans."

ESPN's Taylor Twellman tweeted on Friday that Jans told Berding that the incident involved the coach singing a song in the locker room that contained the N-word.

An ESPN source then confirmed a Cincinnati Enquirer report that the complaint included a reference to remarks Jans made about slavery after the team visited Washington memorials in advance of an Oct. 6 game against D.C. United.

"The Players Association was very recently made aware of extremely inappropriate comments made by FC Cincinnati coach Ron Jans," the MLSPA said in a statement at the time.

"We have made a report to the appropriate league officials and expect an immediate and thorough league investigation to be conducted."

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FC Cincinnati are due to start the regular season on March 1. The club confirmed that Yoann Damet would serve as the club's interim coach until a new appointment can be made.

The team issued the following statement when the allegations were revealed:

"FC Cincinnati was founded and operates with three core values: (1) being inclusive and family-friendly, (2) having a strong and visible presence in the community, and (3) winning on the field.

"When club leadership was made aware of the allegation, we were very surprised as building a caring and committed culture has been a focus of Ron's leadership. We want to fully understand the nature of the incident and allow for an environment for our players to speak freely to any locker room issues. Therefore, while both the Club and Major League Soccer work together, Ron will step away from the team during the investigation."

Jans took up the role last August but didn't experience much success, with the team finishing bottom of the Eastern Conference in 2019.

Atlanta Braves outfielder Nick Markakis has joined the chorus blasting the Houston Astros over their sign-stealing scandal, telling reporters "every single guy over there needs a beating."

"It's anger," Markakis told reporters of his reaction to the Astros' scandal and the ensuing response. "I feel like every single guy over there needs a beating. It's wrong. They're messing with people's careers."

Markakis did not elaborate on what would constitute a "beating." At least two pitchers have indicated that they would consider throwing at Astros batters, and William Hill sportsbook set an over/under of 83.5 for Houston hit-by-pitches in 2020, a number that would rank as one of the 10 highest in the previous five seasons.

Markakis also said the Astros' actions were "damaging to baseball."

"There's right ways to do it and wrong ways to do it," Markakis said. "I 100% disagree with way they did it. There's a lot of people that were hurt by it, and it was wrong."

Along with his viewpoint that the Astros players got off "scot-free," he also pointed a finger at MLB commissioner Rob Manfred.

"The way he handled the situation, he should be embarrassed of himself," Markakis said.

Markakis, a 14-year major league veteran, has not faced the Astros since the 2017 season, the year they were found to have used a trash can to signal pitches to batters en route to winning the World Series. The Braves and Astros close the 2020 regular season with a September series in Atlanta.