Marcos Leonardo was yanked from the game in the 68th minute, and he wasn’t happy about it. Al Hilal was cruising to a 4-0 win over Gwangiu in the Asian Champions League quarterfinals, but Leonardo’s reaction to being subbed out was intense. He’d already scored a goal and notched an assist, but that didn’t seem to matter as he stormed off the field.
Tempers Flare
Rúben Neves tried to calm Leonardo down, but it didn’t work. The Brazilian forward didn’t even acknowledge Jorge Jesus as he left the pitch. Video on social media showed Leonardo visibly upset after being replaced.
ماركوس ليوناردو غاااااااااضب بعد استبداله
pic.twitter.com/y6bTWd0bbx— عمرو (@bt3) April 25, 2025
The tension was palpable as Leonardo exited the game.
After the Final Whistle
After the game, Leonardo met with Al Hilal president Fahad bin Nafel on the field. The two were seen in deep conversation. It was a stark contrast to his earlier behavior.
🎥 | فهد بن نافل رئيس نادي #الهلال وحديث يجمعه مع البرازيلي ماركوس ليوناردو بعد نهاية اللقاء. #الهلال_غوانغجو #دوري_أبطال_آسيا_للنخبة pic.twitter.com/XFtGKFWQuZ
— الشرق الأوسط – رياضة (@aawsat_spt) April 25, 2025