Derby Drama and a Celebratory Stir: Leonardo Lights Up the Saudi Clasico
25 October 2025
The curtain fell on the sixth round of the Saudi Pro League, delivering action-packed drama that lit up social media across the football world.
In this installment of Trend Round, one of Kooora's topline features, we spotlight the moments that grabbed the spotlight online after the round’s fixtures.
The Marcus Leonardo celebration
Al Hilal visited Al Ittihad at the Al Inmaa Stadium in Jeddah for the week’s headline clash in the sixth round of the Roshen Saudi Pro League.
The capital side sealed the Saudi Clasico with a 2-0 win, thanks to an own goal by Mamadou Doumbia and a strike by Marcus Leonardo, propelling the leaders to third place with 14 points, four behind title rivals Al Nassr.
Meanwhile, Al Ittihad dropped to seventh with 10 points.
Leonardo’s celebration sparked anger among Al Ittihad fans as he walked toward the stands and sat in front of them; fans demanded punishment on matchday and on social media, while Hilal supporters argued the celebration was normal and no sanction was due.
Saleh Al Turaqi offered this legal take: you cannot punish a reaction without considering the action; a reaction stems from the action, and if the action vanishes, there is no reaction—will the disciplinary committee apply the law or halve it?
Mohammed bin Mishari responded that crude reactions are not excused; Leonardo is a young man celebrating innocently, and the Union fans expressed their frustration in harsh words and actions toward Hilal players.
Fares commented that Hamad Allah had celebrated in front of Hilal fans before, but Hilal supporters were aware and did not resort to objects or punishment for his celebration.
Aiy 2022 added that Inzaghi did not accept his rival’s gesture, and the situation calls for a formal intervention by the disciplinary committee and the sports ministry.
Md replied that Inzaghi’s frustration stems from Europe’s past clashes with Conceicao, suggesting the need for restraint and proper conduct from both sides.
Aram noted that Inzaghi has had preexisting tensions, hinting at a broader narrative around the rivalry and recent results.
Old Grudge
The Saudi Clasico seems to have revived the old feud between Sergio Conceicao, the Al Ittihad coach, and Simone Inzaghi, the Hilal boss, after the coaches avoided a handshake following the 2-0 win by the champions.
An admirer of the Hilal project suggested Conceicao had always carried a personal edge with him since their playing days together.
Meanwhile, an Union supporter said the first thing to do would be a handshake on home turf, as happens in the big leagues around the world.
Iy 2022 quipped that Inzaghi did not bow his head and that Conceicao’s hand gesture deserves scrutiny; the disciplinary committee and sports ministry are expected to weigh in.
Mod added that Inzaghi’s apparent frustration is a reflection of Conceicao’s dominance in Europe, while Aram suggested that Inzaghi’s record has been marked by lingering tensions from the start.
Saudi Pro League Standings
Meanwhile, Al Nassr continued at the top of the Saudi Professional League table after a 2-0 victory over Hajer on the same Saturday, extending their perfect run in the round’s fixtures.
The win pushed Nassr to 18 points, with João Felix and Cristiano Ronaldo scoring the goals, while Hajer remained on five points, sitting 14th in the standings.
President of Al Ittihad Apologizes to Fans
Fahd Sandi, president of Al Ittihad, posted a message to Colossus Club supporters after the defeat to Hilal, promising that the team would work on improving performances and continuity in pursuit of the title.
He tweeted that artistic performance is improving, maintaining winning mentality and consistency, and appealed to fans to stay supportive, avoid self-flagellation or conspiracy theories, and trust that the club is restoring balance after a rocky start to the season.
Fahd Sandi later paused his personal account for a while after the match’s harsh social-media backlash, before reopening it again.
Hilal, for their part, maintained an unbeaten run with four wins and two draws, while Al Ittihad’s tally showed three wins, one draw, and two losses as the round concluded.
