WATCH: Throwback to Marcelo's 'Leg Breaker' in the Copa Libertadores fixture

Last year, in a Copa Libertadores match in Buenos Aires, Argentina, there was a horrific moment involving former Brazil and Real Madrid defender Marcelo. During a collision with Argentino Juniors' Luciano Sanchez, Marcelo received a red card, leaving the field understandably emotional. 

The incident, which occurred in the 56th minute of the 1-1 draw, resulted in a serious injury to Sanchez. Marcelo's presence at the game was certainly eventful, and it led to reflections on player safety and sportsmanship. The accident triggered lots of emotions among football fans around the globe.

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What led to the horrific Accident

Marcelo was moving with the ball towards Sanchez when his front foot missed the ball and struck the Argentine with significant force on the shin. The Argentine player's leg folded under him at a disturbing angle, leaving him in great pain on the field.

Sanchez was carried off the field on a stretcher with an injury that the team doctor later confirmed to be a fracture, describing it as unlike anything he had seen before.

While the earlier speculations stated that Luciano had broken his leg, later it was confirmed in a medical report that Sánchez suffered a full dislocation of his left knee. This kind of injury involves the dislocation of the femur, tibia, and patella from their normal positions and often leads to neurovascular injuries. As a result, Sánchez was expected to have a recovery time of eight to 12 months according to doctors at the Sanatorio Finochietto.

Real Madrid's legendary left back, Marcelo received a 3-match ban and a fine of $6000 for the unintentional accident.

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Marcelo's statement post-Luciano's Injury 

Marcelo took to his Instagram to post an apology to Luciano and fans across the globe for the horrific unintentional accident.

Marcelo posted, "Today I had a very difficult moment on the pitch, I unintentionally injured a fellow player. I want to wish him the best possible recovery. All the strength in the world."

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