Sideline Story China Plus

The Formula One Chinese Grand Prix has returned after a three-year hiatus. The meaning of the race is two-fold, as it also features the first ever Chinese F1 driver - Zhou Guanyu – competing on home soil. How significant is Zhou’s appearance for China’s motorsport? What are the most classic moments from past Shanghai races? Listen to Sideline Story discussions for more.

Real Madrid and Manchester City are back at the starting line after an eye-catching draw at Bernabeu in the opening leg of their Champions League quarterfinal tie. How are things looking for Real? Will they falter like they did in last year's 4-0 semifinal return leg? Is Bayern Munich a different team at the Champions League? And did Arsenal show nerves in its long waited return to the last eight? Follow Sideline Story for our latest analysis.

Novak Djokovic is in a search of a new coach after a shocking decision to part ways with his title winning partner Goran Ivanisevic. Is it a wise move in his pursuit of more Grand Slam titles? Has Jannik Sinner replaced him as the best men’s tennis player as things stand? Is it time for Andy Murray to hang up his racquet after suffering another major injury? Follow Sideline Story as we try to unpack these questions.

Toni Kroos has emerged from retirement from international football and rejoined “Die Mannschaft.” He wasted no time in proving his worth in the team’s two most recent friendly wins. What is the significance of his return as Germany prepares to host Euro 2024? Is it a light at the end of the tunnel for Germany after a period of struggles?

China’s national football team has begun another quest for the FIFA World Cup under new coach Branko Ivankovic. What has the Croatian got to work with and can he accomplish the task of taking the Chinese squad into the tournament in 2026? Join us on Sideline Story for thoughts on whether it’s finally time for a breakthrough and how Team China can achieve that.

Three teams are leading what could be the closest title race for the English Premier League this season. Will Liverpool win it as a farewell gift to Jurgen Klopp? Is City still as strong in its title defense? Can Arsenal avoid a repeat of history last season and finally win a long-awaited trophy? Join Sideline Story this week to find out which team we think is the favorite and why.