“Real Madrid against Manchester City is a modern Clasico,” said Real Madrid's former coach, Jorge Valdano, last April and the preview of the quarter-finals of the 2 clubs 2023-24 Champions League in Bernabeu.

The following draw didn’t disappoint. Madrid and City drew 3: 3 within the Spanish capital, before a 1-1 attract Etihad led to a penalty shot that Los Blancos won on the technique to picking up a record title of the fifteenth European Champion/Champions League.

In the competition this season, the teams experienced mixed fortune-but themselves the meeting in the brand new play-off round cannot bend the shine of rivalry. Madrid got here 3-2 in Etihad in Etihad last week, which implies that you’ve gotten now exchanged 30 goals in your last seven meetings. At Bernabeu (Wednesday), an interesting second leg can also be built up in Bernabeu.

This season is the fourth in a row that Madrid and City met within the KO -phases of the European Elite Club competition. The fans proceed to be packed, and the primary play-off game sets up a brand new streaming record for the Prime Video Service from Amazon in Great Britain with well over 4 million viewers.

An additional intrigue layer stood on this agreement. City fans stopped a banner with the inscription “Hear your heart” in relation to Madrid striker Vinicius Junior, which was beaten by Rodri and Madrid in October to the Ballon d'Or Award. The Brazil international played a vital role in victory and announced the Spanish television broadcaster Movistar that the banner gave him “more strength to play a great game”.

In 2021-22, Madrid's magical comeback within the semi-finals in Bernabeu drove to the ultimate, where Liverpool was defeated 1-0. In the next season, in the identical phase of the competition, City produced a dominant home game to defeat Carlo Ancelotti's team 4-0 within the second leg before demanding her first Champions League title against Inter. Then there was this epic victory in penalties for Madrid within the quarter -finals within the Etihad last season.

The circumstances differ on this campaign, with a victory on this draw within the sixteenth round gave progress. Madrid only achieved the play-offs after that they had taken eleventh place in the primary phase of the primary division after defeats against Lille, Milan and Liverpool. The city has to struggle throughout the season and stepped through within the twenty second place.

Madrid has long since won the European success in the very best possible respect to the drawback of their domestic progress (for instance, they’ve won the Copa del Rey, Spain's akin to the FA Cup in England, only 3 times for the reason that trophy in 1993).

The story that the club likes to inform about itself is greater than anything. Madrid has harmful defeats against Barcelona in La Liga (4-0) and the Supercopa de Espana (5-2) this season. would have lifted.

It was not Valdano's point to completely lower the story of Madrid's rivalry with Barcelona. He believes that the recent meetings with City have recently change into more essential as a result of known connections. It can also be true that Barca is healthier placed than each side this season, after taking second place within the league and mechanically qualified for the sixteenth round.

“Clasicos are based on rivalry and (City's Manager and former Barcelona player and coach Pep) Guardiola is the favorite enemy of Madridismo (Madrid fans),” said Valdano last yr. “It was enough to listen to the fans' response in Santiago Bernabeu (in the primary leg 2023-24) after the speaker announced his name via the PA system. He was essentially the most whistled.

“But 10 years ago and five years ago all of us talked about Barcelona-Madrid. Now the football meaning leads us to speak about Madrid-City as the perfect on this planet.

“It is excellent since the story is renewed. City gets to know the celebrity that’s difficult without having an earlier context. City are latest and economically influenced. Madrid are latest in every era. You can at all times adapt to a visit. “

Since Guardiola arrived in Manchester in summer 2016, the 2 teams have met a complete of nine times (the sport on Wednesday can be tenth), with Madrid won three for the 4 of City.

The only Champions League triumph of town is put within the shade by Madrids 15. But Madrid still sees City as one in all her essential competitors for European success.

“Madrid and City have certainly been the two most successful teams in the past seven or eight years,” said one source of the changing room die, as others quoted here, said anonymously because that they had no permission.

“It is true that City only won it (in 2023), but they have often won them.”

Those behind the scenes in Madrid saw the play-off against City as a “early finale”. Ancelotti's coaching team consider Guardiola as very difficult to research and barely trust the constellations and systems that he uses before their encounters within the weeks. City is fourth within the Premier League and the coaches of Madrid were surprised at how much the lack of Ballon d'Or-winner Rodri, Rodri for an injury to the front cruciate ligament (ACL), influenced them.

Vicente Del Bosque, one other former head coach of Madrid and a World Cup winner at Spain in 2010, agrees that Madrid and City have change into the best attract European football.

“I think both teams have dominated football in recent years and Madrid have maintained an extraordinary level,” says Del Bosque. “I remember the 14th title and the comeback against City as essentially the most spectacular in 2022.

“City is one in all the few teams that Madrid dominate with the ball, though they’ve players a counterattack. And Madrid looks comfortable without the ball and uses transitions though they’ve players to manage the possession.

“Now there’s a debate in regards to the European Super League. I feel playing these games as a knockout is healthier. I take a look at the sporting aspect, not the economic aspect, and it makes it more entertaining and more of a rivalry.

“When I used to be a player and in addition as a coach, the massive opponent was Bayern Munich. The Netherlands also had teams with Ajax and Italy with Milan who competed with us, but not that far more. Now the range has opened. “

City still see sources in Madrid's board as the team. This is also because the city, since Ferran Soriano's arrivals as managing director and Txiki Begiristain as sports director (both like Guardiola, formerly Barcelona), have grown as a club and have earned the respect of Madrid, with whom they keep a relationship with great admiration.

With this in mind, Valdano dares to draw another parallel in the way both teams are centrally structured for a figure.

“Both in Madrid and City it is evident who’s responsible,” he concludes.

“In Madrid it is (club president) Florentino Perez. Everyone in City knows it and nobody says it – but Guardiola will not find that he can work in another club without a boss. “

And so begins the national and regional obsession with the 49ers and the way much they’ll pay Brock Purdy to be their quarterback now and in the longer term.

There aren’t any playoffs or Super Bowl for the 49ers this yr. Their news cycle is as an alternative dominated by guesses about what number of zeros there ought to be at the top of a contract extension for the quarterback that fell into their lap in 2022.

Coach Kyle Shanahan, general manager John Lynch and the owners have been here before on the subject of mega deals. The 49ers weren't afraid to pay the going rate after which some.

At their end-of-season press conference, Shanahan stated, “I intend for Brock to stay here the whole time,” and Lynch said, “We're interested in Brock staying here for a long, long time,” which at first glance looks as if one be strange technique to reduce the worth.

Purdy staked out his position that very same day, hoping to avoid drama and get a deal done in time to take part in the offseason program, but without saying he would participate without an extension. He will get his contract, eventually with an APY (average per yr) that’s between $40 and $60 million, which Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott receives because the highest-paid player within the NFL.

After a 6-11 season, the 49ers at the moment are looking back on three contracts which have up to now appeared like an exploding cigar:

– Last June, running back and NFL Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey signed a two-year extension value $38 million, making him the highest-paid running back within the NFL. McCaffrey suffered from bilateral Achilles tendonitis and eventually a PCL strain. He played 4 games, carried 50 balls for 202 yards, caught 15 passes for 146 yards and didn’t rating a touchdown.

– On August 29, Brandon Aiyuk finally signed a four-year, $130 million contract extension after being unsure whether to be traded or remain a 49er. Aiyuk began slowly without training camp, tearing his ACL in Week 7 after catching 25 passes for 374 yards and no touchdowns.

— On Sept. 3, holdout and Hall of Fame-bound left tackle Trent Williams signed a three-year, $82.6 million extension to maneuver him to the highest of his position group. Williams played 10 games, failing to perform at his usual level, before a deep bone bruise in his ankle forced him to the substitutes' bench.

The 28-year-old McCaffrey is more of a gray beard for his position, but his injuries are usually not believed to require surgery and he could bounce back. Aiyuk faces a protracted and arduous rehab that would limit his impact in 2025. Williams could possibly be pretty much as good as ever or suddenly show his age.

You could also add Deebo Samuel, who signed a three-year extension in 2022 value greater than $71 million, into the massive money mix. Samuel didn’t reach his 2021 numbers (77 receptions, 1,405 yards, 365 yards rushing and 14 total touchdowns). Samuel is 29 years old and his physically aggressive nature is taking its toll.

Samuel took a backseat within the receiving room to Jauan Jennings, whose two-year, $15.4 million extension was well definitely worth the investment.

Heading into the 2023 season, the 49ers made Nick Bosa the highest-paid defensive player within the NFL with a five-year, $34 million APR contract. Bosa made the Pro Bowl that season but struggled with oblique injuries, missed two games and had nine sacks – his fewest in an injury-free season since his rookie yr.

Bosa was excellent, but not great – and the 49ers are paying him to be great.

Javon Hargrave was the 2023 free agent prize on a four-year, $84 million contract, but will probably be released two years early after missing 14 games in 2024 with a torn triceps. That doesn't occur when a player meets expectations.

Charvarius Ward signed a three-year, $40.3 million contract with the 49ers in 2022 and was outstanding in his first two years before personal tragedy struck this yr with the death of his daughter. He will likely leave as a free agent because the 49ers have already prolonged Deommodore Lenoir to a five-year, $92 million extension.

Getting what you pay for within the NFL generally is a tricky business.

With that in mind, and after Purdy had some issues with late-game interceptions and was less effective without the expected supporting forged, the upcoming contract has change into a subject of national debate.

It's not that the 49ers didn't get what they expected within the case of longtime Pro Bowlers George Kittle and Fred Warner.

The late Bill Walsh believed it was higher to part with a player a yr too early reasonably than a yr too late. But if the 49ers wish to get back on their feet, they need Kittle and Warner on board, even when attrition begins to affect their performance.

In 2020, Kittle signed a five-year, $75 million contract that expires after the 2025 season. At 31 years old, Kittle continues to be a pacesetter at his position. The following offseason, Warner, now 28, signed a five-year contract extension value $95.2 million, and the investment has been well value it by way of performance and leadership.

However, since the 49ers adjusted their contracts for cap reasons, Warner's current cap hit is greater than $29 million, Kittle's is greater than $22 million. To accommodate Purdy and others, the 49ers are faced with considering extensions for each players, which might lower their roster but extend their commitment to players who will inevitably see a decline.

The 49ers left little doubt that Purdy is their man now and in the longer term and that he will probably be paid as such. If he gets a tough time, Purdy will go from being hailed because the NFL's best deal since arriving because the last pick of the NFL Draft to being at the highest of the list of “most overpaid players.”

To get back in the combination as a real championship contender, the 49ers just need to write down the check and cross their fingers that any big checks they've written lately show a greater return on their investment than they did in 2024 apparently.

If it doesn't work, no amount of effort on the earth will save the 49ers from further descent into oblivion.

By PAOLO SANTALUCIA, Associated Press

ROME – The ancient Roman Colosseum will host gladiator fights – albeit staged – for the primary time in two millennia as a part of a $1.5 million sponsorship take care of Airbnb geared toward promoting “more conscious tourism.”

But some visitors to the monument Thursday, in addition to housing activists, expressed skepticism concerning the value of the agreement, citing ongoing controversy in lots of cities over the role of short-term rental platforms in promoting overtourism and restricting reasonably priced housing for residents and students.

RELATED: The 25 Worst Behaved Tourists of 2023

Under the agreement announced Wednesday by Airbnb and the Colosseum, the short-term rental giant's sponsorship includes renewing an academic program in the traditional Roman amphitheater that explores the structure's history and gladiators.

Eight users of the platform and their relatives will have the option to participate in fake gladiator fights on May seventh and eighth after the closure of the Colosseum on May seventh and eighth, using the identical underground path that gladiators used to get to the world in ancient Rome. You can apply for the experience freed from charge on November twenty seventh and the “Gladiators” will probably be chosen by lottery.

Colosseum Archaeological Park director Alfonsina Russo told The Associated Press that the deal was related to the discharge of Ridley Scott's latest film “Gladiators II” which opened in Italy on Thursday.

Russo described the sponsorship agreement as certainly one of many such offers to assist fund projects within the park.

The Italian fashion brand Tod's, for instance, has financed a multi-million dollar renovation of the Roman monument, including cleansing, replacing the arches' locking system with latest gates and renewing the underground areas.

Alberto Campailla, the coordinator of the nonprofit Nonna Roma, which focuses on housing and food for the poor, called the Airbnb campaign “a disgrace” and a type of “touristification.”

Airbnb and other platforms that provide short-term rentals are “literally driving people out not only of the city center but also of the outskirts and suburban neighborhoods,” Campailla said.

Tourists from other European cities combating overtourism also expressed criticism of the deal.

“It seems to me that the purpose of the Colosseum today is to be a tourist attraction, but not to create an amusement park,” said Jaime Montero, a tourist from Madrid. “In the end, tourism eats away at the essence of the cities, here in Rome, as in other capitals.”

Salvatore Di Matteo, visiting from Naples, viewed the deal as “another takeover of the territory” by big corporations.

“When they start touching sacred monuments like the Colosseum here in Rome, that is of course something that should make us think and is definitely a little worrying,” he said.

The Colosseum is crucial and largest amphitheater built by the traditional Romans. Built within the 1st century, it was the middle of popular entertainment until the sixth century, hosting hunts and gladiatorial games.

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Originally published: November 14, 2024 at 11:32 am PST

Pressure on the insurance unit

Countless parents across the country have recently dropped their children off in school for the primary time. This transition can bring a whirlwind of emotions: the heartache of claiming goodbye, the sadness of a permanently modified family dynamic, the uncertainty of what lies ahead—but in addition the pride of seeing your child move toward independence. Some may describe the goodbye as bittersweet or say they feel mixed emotions.

In this scenario, what would you do if I asked you to rate your feelings on a scale of 1 to 9, with 1 being essentially the most negative and 9 being essentially the most positive? Given the circumstances, this query seems silly – how do you rate this mix of fine and bad? However, this scale is usually utilized by psychologists to look at feelings in scientific studies, treating emotions as either positive or negative, but never each.

I’m a neuroscientist that examines how mixed emotions are represented within the brain. Do people ever really feel positive and negative emotions at the identical time? Or will we just switch backwards and forwards quickly?

What emotions do to you

Scientists sometimes define emotions as Brain and body states that motivate you towards or away from things. People typically experience them as either positive or negative.

If you're walking within the woods and see a bear, your heart rate and respiratory speed up, supplying you with the urge to flee – and doubtless helping you decide that may preserve your life. Many scientists would call this response the emotion “fear.”

Likewise, warm feelings around people you like create a desire to remain near them and nurture those relationships, helping to strengthen your social network and support system.

This approach to approaching and avoiding emotions helps explain why emotions evolved and what influence they’ve on decision making. Scientists have used it as a tenet within the try to search out out biology behind emotions.

But mixed emotions don't fit this framework. If opposing biological systems inhibit one another, and emotions are biological in nature, you possibly can't experience opposites at the identical moment. This conclusion would mean that it's unimaginable to have two opposing emotions at the identical time; you might have to alternate backwards and forwards as a substitute. Since scientists first theorized in regards to the biological basis of emotions, they’ve conceptualized mixed emotions in this fashion.

Deciphering the biology of mixed emotions

The current methods for measuring emotions still treat positive and negative as opposite sides of a spectrumHowever, the researchers found that study participants often reported mixed feelings.

For example, people in several cultures experience certain feelings, corresponding to nostalgia And Aweas positive and negative at the identical time.

A research group found that the topics’ physiological responses – corresponding to heart rate and skin conductance – exhibit unique patterns in experiences which might be each disgusting and funnyin comparison with each category individually. This implies that disgusted and amused reactions actually occur concurrently to create something latest.

In a seemingly contradictory result, a study using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) Brain reactions to disgusting humor found no pattern of brain activity that was distinct from easy disgust. The brain states of people that reported each disgust and amusement appeared to reflect only disgust—not a novel pattern for a brand new mixed emotion.

But fMRI studies generally depend on averaging brain activity across different people and over a time period. The crux of the query – experiencing truly mixed emotions, or oscillating between positive and negative states – concerns what the brain does over time. It's possible that by taking a look at average brain activity over a time period, scientists can get a pattern that appears very just like an emotion – on this case, disgust – but they're missing vital details about how the activity changes or stays the identical from second to second.

Mixed feelings within the brain

To explore this possibility, I conducted a study to search out out whether mixed feelings are related to a unique brain state that remained stable over time.

While lying within the MRI machine, participants watched a bittersweet animated short film a few young girl's lifelong quest to develop into an astronaut – with the support of her father. Spoiler alert: Her father dies. After the scan, the identical participants watched the video again and identified the precise moments once they felt positive, negative and mixed emotions.

My colleagues and I discovered that mixed emotions didn’t show unique, consistent patterns in deeper brain regions corresponding to the amygdala, which plays a crucial role in quick reactions to emotionally vital topics. Strikingly, the insular cortex, a component of the brain that connects deeper brain regions to the cortex, showed consistent and unique patterns for each positive and negative emotions, but not for mixed ones. We interpreted this result to mean that regions corresponding to the amygdala and insular cortex processed positive and negative emotions as mutually exclusive.

But we now have seen unique, consistent patterns in cortical regions corresponding to the anterior cingulate area, which plays a crucial role in Conflict and uncertainty processingand the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, which is very important for Self-regulation and complicated pondering.

These brain regions within the cortex that perform more complex functions appear to represent rather more complex states that allow someone to actually experience mixed emotions. Brain regions corresponding to the anterior cingulate and ventromedial prefrontal cortex integrate many sources of data – essential to forming mixed emotions.

Our results also fit with what scientists find out about brain and emotion development. Interestingly, children don’t begin mixed feelings can only be understood or described in later childhood. This timeline is consistent with what researchers find out about how Development of those brain regions leads to more advanced emotion regulation and higher understanding.

What happens next?

This study has shed latest light on how complex emotions arise within the brain, but there’s rather more to explore.

One of the explanations mixed emotions are so interesting is because they’ll play a task in major life events. Sometimes mixed emotions enable you address big changes and switch into precious memories. For example, you may experience each positive and negative emotions when your folks throw you a giant farewell party before you progress to a different city on your dream job.

Sometimes mixed feelings are a continuing source of heartache. Even in case you know it’s best to break up along with your partner, that doesn't mean that every one the positive feelings you might have for them will robotically disappear or that a breakup can't be painful.

What causes this difference in end result? Could these differences have something to do with how the brain represents these mixed emotional states over time? A greater understanding of mixed emotions could help people be certain that these sorts of strong feelings develop into priceless memories that help them grow, slightly than an agonizing goodbye that they can’t recover from.