A sense of curiosity and anticipation has gripped Al-Hilal fans recently regarding the noticeable absence and the underlying reasons for the repeated exclusion of Brazilian star Marcos Leonardo from the starting lineup and coach Simone Inzaghi's calculations. This absence has raised concerns among fans, especially given the fierce competition the "Leader" is engaged in on various domestic and continental fronts, and the team's need for all its professional players.

In this context, well-informed sources within the capital club revealed the true details of this technical decision. The sources confirmed that Marcos Leonardo's exclusion was not due to disciplinary reasons or a sharp decline in performance, but rather stemmed from a carefully considered decision by head coach Simone Inzaghi to implement a special physical and technical rehabilitation program for the player. Leonardo is currently undergoing intensive individual training aimed at raising his physical fitness to peak levels, paving the way for his return to regular and official group training in the coming period.

Reports indicate that Al-Hilal's coaching staff is placing great emphasis on preparing the players for the crucial stages of the season, with Marcus Leonardo scheduled to join his teammates in group training within the next few days. The player will be available for selection and can participate in all upcoming competitions, providing a significant boost to the team's attack at a critical juncture in the season.

This move comes as Al-Hilal prepares for one of the most important matches of the season, facing Al-Ittihad in the highly anticipated Saudi Arabian "Clásico," as part of the 23rd round of the Saudi Professional League. This match is of paramount importance in the title race and is scheduled to take place at 11:00 PM on Friday at the Kingdom Arena, Al-Hilal's new and prestigious home ground.

On the continental level, Al Hilal is enjoying high morale after securing a valuable victory in their last match against Al Wahda of the UAE, in the eighth round of the AFC Champions League, which was also held at the Kingdom Arena. The coaching staff, led by Inzaghi, aims to capitalize on this winning spirit, with the team now at full strength following the return of Leonardo, to continue their march towards titles and fulfill the aspirations of Al Hilal's vast fan base.

The heated encounter between Real Madrid and Benfica in the Champions League sparked widespread controversy that extended beyond the on-field result to include altercations and serious accusations. In this context, Benfica player Gianluca Prestini broke his silence and released an official statement clarifying what transpired between him and Brazilian star Vinicius Junior, following a match marred by significant tension and unfortunate incidents linked to allegations of racism.

Details of Prestini's statement and clarification of the position

On his official X account (formerly Twitter), Prestini issued a firm statement categorically denying any racist insults directed at the Real Madrid star. The statement read: "I want to clarify that I never uttered any racist insults towards Vinicius Junior. He unfortunately misunderstood what he thought he heard. I have never been racist towards anyone." The Benfica player didn't stop at simply denying the incident; he also alluded to the tense atmosphere following the confrontation, saying: "I regret the threats I received from Real Madrid players," reflecting the extent of the backlash that ensued.

Vinicius Junior and the ongoing battle against racism

This incident comes at a highly sensitive time, as Vinicius Junior is one of the world's leading figures in the fight against racism in football in recent years. The Brazilian star has been subjected to a series of abuses in several European stadiums, which has led him to react firmly and seriously to any suspicion of racism. Any incident involving Vinicius always attracts global attention, given his symbolic role in the "No to Racism" campaigns championed by FIFA and UEFA. This explains the swift solidarity and angry reactions from his Real Madrid teammates following any such incident.

The result of the match and its impact on the Champions League

On both the technical and sporting fronts, Real Madrid secured a valuable and well-deserved victory against their hosts, Benfica, with a clean sheet. The only goal of the match came courtesy of Vinicius Junior himself, who responded on the pitch with exceptional skill, brilliantly dribbling past a Portuguese player before slotting the ball into the net, reaffirming his considerable talent and decisive impact in big matches.

With this crucial away victory, Real Madrid have put one foot in the next round of the Champions League. The 1-0 win in the first leg gives Carlo Ancelotti's men a significant tactical and psychological advantage ahead of the return leg, where Real Madrid will look to extend their record in their favorite competition, while Benfica will have to reassess their strategy to turn things around.

Football fans around the world will be glued to their screens today, Wednesday, as Europe's stadiums offer a packed schedule of exciting and competitive matches. The day features several crucial and decisive games across major leagues, most notably the UEFA Champions League, as well as key fixtures in the English Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A.

Champions League night... a clash of European giants

Champions League matches take on added significance as teams enter a crucial stage requiring intense focus to secure points. Today's fixture features a tough challenge for Newcastle United, who travel to face Qarabag Agdam, in a match where the Magpies will be looking to reaffirm their continental credentials. Meanwhile, Inter Milan, runners-up in previous editions and one of Serie A's powerhouses, face a difficult test against Norwegian side Bodrums, a team that has proven its ability to trouble the big clubs on its home turf.

The European evening also features a high-stakes tactical clash between Germany's Bayer Leverkusen, currently enjoying a golden era, and their Greek hosts Olympiacos, amidst a raucous home crowd. Meanwhile, Diego Simeone's Atlético Madrid travel to Belgium to face Club Brugge in a must-win encounter.

Premier League vs. Serie A clash

In the English Premier League, Arsenal travels to Wolverhampton Wanderers in a match where the Gunners will be looking to maintain their challenge for the top spot, as every point in the Premier League is crucial in the title race. Meanwhile, in Italy, AC Milan hosts the ambitious newcomer Como in a mini-Lombardy derby, with the Rossoneri hoping to capitalize on home advantage.

Below we provide a detailed schedule of Wednesday's matches and the channels broadcasting them:

Today's Champions League fixtures

• 08:45 - Karbaj Ajdam VS Newcastle
• 11:00 - Glimt VS Inter
• 11:00 - Olympiacos VS Bayer Leverkusen
• 11:00 - Club Brugge VS Atletico Madrid

English Premier League fixtures today

• 11:00 - Wolverhampton VS Arsenal

Spanish League match schedule today

• 10:00 - Levante VS Villarreal

Italian League match schedule today

• 10:45 - Milan VS Como

These matches are a golden opportunity for fans to enjoy different football schools, from Italian tactics and English speed to Spanish skill and German power, making Wednesday an exceptional day in the world football calendar.