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Out of Azerbaijan, one of the most compelling coaching stories in European football right now centers on Valdas Dambrauskas, the Lithuanian coach who once appeared on a game show back home and is now steering newly-formed Sabah FK through the early rounds of the UEFA Champions League, writing history with every match.
Shifting to the Premier League, Xabi Alonso had some explaining to do at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea were booed off at half-time, trailing Leeds United two goals to nil in the Carabao Cup. What followed was extraordinary — six second-half goals, a six-three final scoreline, and a place in the next round, though Alonso made clear he wasn't hiding from the first-half performance.
And over in the NFL, Seattle had a night to remember but not the one they scripted. Sam Darnold went down on the opening drive, the offense stalled for three quarters, and yet the Seahawks defense took over, backup Drew Lock delivered when it mattered, and Seattle walked away with a thirteen-ten win over New England on Super Bowl banner-raising night.
That's your play-by-play. Sports Desk, back to the booth.
