Steve Luckings

2 days ago | thenationalnews.com | Steve Luckings

Cristiano Ronaldo’s remarkable appetite for success showed no signs of waning on Wednesday night as the 40-year-old forward fired Portugal into the Uefa Nations League final with a decisive goal in a 2-1 victory over Germany. The Al Nassr striker, whose future at club level remains the subject of intense speculation, proved once again why he remains central to Portugal’s ambitions, slotting home the winner in the 68th minute – his 137th goal in 220 international appearances.

5 days ago | thenationalnews.com | Steve Luckings

Luis Enrique paced the touchline in Munich as if walking a familiar path. On a night laden with expectation, he remained composed, arms folded, gaze steely, his Paris Saint-Germain side dismantling Inter Milan with a cruelty only matched by its brilliance. By the end of 90 minutes, the scoreline read 5-0, magnified on the Allianz Arena scoreboard for all to see, engrained in the memory of all those that had witnessed it.

1 week ago | thenationalnews.com | Steve Luckings

Al Nassr are in negotiations with Cristiano Ronaldo over a new deal but face stiff competition from suitors across the globe, according to the club’s sporting director Fernando Hierro. Ronaldo, 40, has been the face of Saudi Arabian football since arriving in Riyadh in January 2023, but speculation over his future has intensified after his cryptic social media message following Al Nassr’s final match of the season against Al Fateh. “This chapter is over. The story?

1 week ago | thenationalnews.com | Steve Luckings

Of all the outcomes predicted for the first year of Arne Slot’s reign at Anfield, winning the Premier League was well down the list. Succeeding Jurgen Klopp was viewed as challenge enough and, allowing for the transition, a top-four finish was deemed eminently acceptable. Fast forward to the end of April and Liverpool had the Premier League title wrapped up with four games to go after a 5-1 thrashing of Tottenham.

1 week ago | thenationalnews.com | Steve Luckings

It's impossible to come to a consensus on Tottenham's season. Domestically, it was a train wreck - 17th in the league, 22 games lost – the most in a 38-game Premier League season by a side who were not relegated. They were also thrashed over two legs by Liverpool in the League Cup semi-finals. A total shambles. In Europe, however, it was a completely different story.