Real Madrid Legend Marcelo Sent off in Tears After Horrific Tackle. A Copa Libertadores match in Buenos Aires took a distressing turn as Argentinos Juniors defender Luciano Sanchez suffered a fully dislocated left knee after a challenge by veteran left-back Marcelo, who now plays for Brazil’s Fluminense. The former Real Madrid player went off in tears whereas Sanchez screamed in pain on the pitch, surrounded by concerned players from both teams.
The incident occurred during the 56th minute of the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Initially, Sanchez’s teammates feared a broken leg, but a medical report from the club confirmed the dislocation. Doctors at the Sanatorio Finochietto hospital estimated a recovery time of eight to 12 months for the injured defender.
Marcelo sent off in tears
Marcelo expressed his remorse on social media, saying, “I lived a very tough moment on the pitch today. With no intention, I injured a fellow footballer. I want to wish you the best possible recovery, Luciano Sanchez.” The Argentinian club responded with a message of unity, stating, “We are rivals, not enemies.”
Fluminense coach Fernando Diniz, who is also Brazil’s national team coach until the middle of next year, has defended Marcelo in a press conference, characterizing the incident as “an unfortunate event.”
In the match, Gabriel Avalos opened the scoring for the hosts, Argentinos Juniors, with a volley in the 14th minute of the first leg of the round-of-16 match. Later, Argentinos Juniors’ goalkeeper Alexis Martin Arias found himself off in the 76th minute, leading to his replacement by substitute midfielder Luciano Heredia.
Fluminense seized the opportunity and equalized in the 87th minute with a long-range strike from Samuel Xavier. The teams will meet again next Tuesday at the Maracana Stadium to determine the quarterfinalists.
The disheartening incident has drawn attention to the importance of player safety and the risks involved in high-stakes football matches. The Copa Libertadores is known for its fiercely competitive games, but such injuries serve as a reminder of the need for fair play and respect on the pitch. As the football world sends its well-wishes to Luciano Sanchez for a swift and full recovery, discussions about player protection and the responsibility of all athletes to prioritize safety continue to be at the forefront of the sport.
