Real Madrid star defender Marcelo made the headlines after he was involved in an horrific injury to an opposition player during a Copa Libertadores match in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Tuesday (August 1).
The former Brazilian international and current Fluminense player, was dismissed from the field in tears after a devastating injury inflicted on Luciano Sanchez, a defender for Argentinos Juniors.
Marcelo Vierra, renowned for his footwork and exceptional skills, accidentally stomped on the knee of Luciano Sanchez, the Argentinos Junior right-back during their clash with Marcelo’s Fluminense.
The tackle left Sanchez with a probable career-ending injury with his left knee getting dislocated. The impact was so severe that it bent Sanchez's leg at an unnatural, inward angle, leaving spectators in utter shock.
Gruesome scene in the Maradona! 😱
— HF (@hfworld_) August 2, 2023
• Marcelo gets a red card for accidentally stepped on Luciano Sanchez, breaking the defender's leg in the process.
• That headlines the clash between Argentinos Juniors and Fluminense.pic.twitter.com/TuEyI0OGyL
Marcelo was visibly emotional when he received a red card, while the passionate reaction of the Argentinean echoed across the field, drawing the attention of players from both sides. This dramatic moment unfolded during the 56th minute of the game and the Copa Libertadores clash ultimately ended in a 1-1 draw.
Luciano Sanchez’s team Argentinos Jr shared an update on the player’s condition through their post-match press conference saying that the player will be going into surgery. They also shared their appreciation of the medical staff’s quick response which prevented the chances of the injury worsening anymore than it already is.
The nature of Sanchez’s injury is feared to be career-threatening for the defender as a full-knee dislocation is one that can have a heavy toll on the player. ‘
After the tackle, Marcelo was seen breaking down on the field as Sanchez was getting treated by the medical team. Several Argentinos players were seen consoling the left-back, agreeing to the fact that the tackle showed the traits of being unintentional in nature.
After the match, Marcelo shared a pre-match picture with Sanchez from the same match, on his Instagram account, apologising to the player for inflicting the injury as well as wishing him a speedy recovery.