Former Manchester United defender, Eric Bailly, was lucky to escape without a red card before unluckily scoring an own goal against Barcelona.
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Bailly and Lewandowski clash in heated gameDefender then scores own goalBailly lucky to avoid sending offViaplay & Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
In a moment of rashness, Bailly shoved Robert Lewandowski into the Villarreal goal before the pair locked heads. The defender then pushed his head towards the Polish striker in what could have been deemed a red card offence. However, Bailly managed to escape with both players receiving just a caution. Unfortunately for Bailly, his luck quickly turned to misfortune as he turned a free kick into his own net.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Bailly's career has been full of ups and downs, including a share of own goals too – he became the first United player to score an own goal in the Manchester derby. The defender came to United with a lot of excitement but was hampered by injuries and left for Besiktas in the summer. A fresh start quickly turned sour as he had his deal terminated by the Turkish side before rejoining Villarreal.
DID YOU KNOW?
Bailly missed a staggering 124 games through injury for club and country in the six seasons he was playing for United (not including loan spells). A once promising defender was blighted by poor injury luck.
Getty Images WHAT NEXT FOR BAILLY?
Now at Villarreal, Bailly will be aiming to put a few poor years behind him – although flare ups with opposition strikers won't help his side. The Yellow Submarine sit just clear of any relegation battle but the Ivorian will be aiming to return his side to the Champions League.