ACE HELL
Modric has head in hands and Vinicius Jr can’t look as Valencia’s Diakhaby suffers horrific freak injury vs Real Madrid
Defender set to be out for long time
VALENCIA star Mouctar Diakhaby suffered a horrific freak leg injury in his side's draw with Real Madrid on Saturday.
Players on both teams were left close to tears after the defender went down in an accidental collision with Vinicius Jr.
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Real's Brazilian winger couldn't look during the aftermath as medics rushed onto the field.
And Croatia legend Luka Modric was left with his head in his hands as Diakhaby writhed in pain on the ground.
The tragic incident occurred in the 86th minute of the 2-2 draw at the Mestalla, which ended in a red card for Jude Bellingham after his 99th minute winner was ruled out as the ref had already blown the final whistle.
As Vinicius Jr went down following a challenge, he tumbled straight into the legs of Diakhaby.
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The centre-back fell awkwardly on top of Vinicius Jr as one leg appeared to get caught.
And he immediately yelled out in pain as players signalled straight away for medical help.
Many stars on the pitch looked close to tears as the reality of the scene became clear.
Vinicius Jr couldn't look at Diakhaby in pain as he stared at the ground in disbelief instead.
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And teammate Modric buried his face in his hands as Valencia's star defender was stretchered off the field.
Antonio Rudiger also appeared greatly distressed, while Brahim Diaz covered his mouth in shock.
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Before Diakhaby's injury, Valencia had been 2-0 up but were pegged back by Vinicius Jr's brace.
The visitors thought they bagged a winner in the 99th minute through England star Bellingham.
He leapt highest in the box to head Diaz’s cross into the home side’s net.
But his celebrations were brutally cut short after realising ref Jesus Gil Manzano had ended the game while the cross was in the air.
Irate Bellingham was even shown a red card for his furious protests as the official headed off the Mestalla pitch.
Madrid’s former Chelsea defender Rudiger was also dismissed in the aftermath.
Manzano had initially indicated seven minutes of additional time after Diakhaby's injury.
That time had passed, but Carlo Ancelotti’s side were piling on pressure searching for a winner and Manzano blew with Madrid’s attack in full flow.
The draw costs Bellingham and Co the chance to go nine points clear of surprise package Girona at the top of LaLiga.
And now talisman Bellingham – the league’s top scorer with 16 goals – will face a ban.
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Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni wasted no time in slamming the officials on social media.
Just minutes after the whistle, the Frenchman wrote on X: “That’s embarrassing.”
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