Leonardo’s Brace Rewrites Al Hilal’s Script: Nunez’s Wake-Up Call
25 November 2025
Leonardo’s resurgence reshapes Al Hilal’s attacking options
On a night when Brazilian Marcus Leonardo shone for Al Hilal, the young forward stole the spotlight with a memorable display against Al Shorta on Tuesday evening, in the fifth round of the AFC Champions League Elite.
Leonardo continues to showcase both individual brilliance and teamwork that have exceeded expectations, especially after being left out of the domestic squad at the season’s start by Italian coach Simone Inzaghi.
Inzaghi’s decision aimed to register Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez, but the injury to Portuguese Joao Cancelo forced the Italian manager to readjust and reinstate the Brazilian, who delivered a standout performance. Leonardo found the net twice, at the 45th and 72nd minutes, lifting his tally to 10 goals in 12 appearances across all competitions since the season began.
His rising form also meant he reached a tally twice as many as Nunez, who had five goals this season despite being trusted from the start. Inzaghi had chosen Leonardo to start the match, with Nunez on the bench, a decision that granted the team an enhanced offensive thrust.
Leonardo’s display wasn’t a mere flash in the pan; it marked a turning point in his season and a clear shift in how the squad might deploy him going forward.
Since Inzaghi took the helm, trust has largely tilted toward Nunez, while Leonardo had a period away from the main lineup during the early rounds. Yet Leonardo’s return to form forced a real rethink of the lineup, with his rising intensity, physical presence, and goal-hunting instinct pushing the dynamics in favor of a more versatile attack.
With every standout performance, pressure on Nunez grows, as fans and critics alike compare the two forwards and question who should be the main source of goals. The gap in impact on the pitch is now evident, and Leonardo has emerged as a legitimate first-choice option.
While coaching decisions rely on many criteria, Leonardo’s current form is forcing real recalibration. The Brazilian’s influence places Nunez in a somewhat uncomfortable position, highlighting the difference between potential and productive output. Since late changes, Inzaghi’s team has evolved and Leonardo’s contribution has rekindled a more flexible approach.
This resurgence gives the coach a useful tool in a congested schedule, offering speed, tactical versatility, aggression in duels, and an ability to create chances and finish them. In tight fixtures, teams must rotate without sacrificing results, and Leonardo’s level provides Inzaghi with fresh options that can be relied upon in crucial moments.
Leonardo’s presence also lifts the mood inside the squad, encouraging healthy competition with Nunez for starting roles. Overall, Leonardo’s form provides a much-needed weapon for matches decided by small margins and gives Al Hilal a chance to stay competitive on all fronts as the season progresses.
In short, Leonardo’s breakout adds pressure on Nunez but is also a golden opportunity for Inzaghi to rethink the attacking structure and broaden the team’s options during a pivotal stretch of the campaign. With a dense calendar ahead, Al Hilal needs players who can rotate without sacrificing quality, and Leonardo’s impact offers exactly that.
Punchline time: If goals were jokes, Leonardo would be headlining the show—the net even filed a complaint for harassment after another kiss of the ball. Another line for good measure: Nunez may sit this one out, but Leonardo just opened a new season of “Who Wants to Be a Starter?” with unlimited lifelines.
