By Michael Church
(Reuters) – Talking points from the week in Asian football:
LEONARDO HITS BRACE TO KEEP AL-HILAL ON TOP IN SAUDI ARABIA
Marcos Leonardo scored twice as Al-Hilal handed Al-Okhdood a 4-0 defeat on Thursday to remain in top spot in the Saudi Pro League, locked together on 46 points with second-placed Al-Ittihad.
Al-Hilal lead the standings on goal-difference from their Jeddah-based rivals, who picked up a 4-3 victory over Al-Kholood on Saturday to keep pace with the club from Riyadh.
Steven Bergwijn netted twice for Laurent Blanc’s side, claiming the points despite Myziane Maolida’s injury time strike for the visitors.
AUCKLAND EXTEND A-LEAGUE LEAD WITH WIN OVER MACARTHUR
Louis Verstraete scored 10 minutes from time to move Auckland FC five points clear at the top of the A-League as Steve Corica’s side secured a 2-1 win over Macarthur FC on Saturday.
Verstraete netted the winner after Jake Hollman had cancelled out Neyder Moreno’s ninth minute opener for the New Zealanders to move the league debutants onto 33 points from 15 games.
Adelaide United remain in second place despite suffering a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Sydney FC while Melbourne Victory climbed up to third with a 2-0 win over Perth Glory.
NEYMAR LEAVES AL-HILAL BY MUTUAL CONSENT TO RETURN TO SANTOS
Brazilian striker Neymar returned to his boyhood club Santos after cancelling his contract with Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal by mutual consent on Tuesday while Jhon Duran has joined Al-Nassr from Premier League side Aston Villa.
GOALKEEPER GAUCI JOINS BARNSLEY ON LOAN UNTIL END OF SEASON
Australia goalkeeper Joe Gauci has left Aston Villa on loan to join League One side Barnsley until the end of the current season.
The 24-year-old, who last featured for the Socceroos in their World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia in November, has made two League Cup appearances for Villa since signing for the club from Adelaide United in February last year.
(Reporting by Michael Church; Editing by Christopher Cushing)
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