Trouble at Al-Nassr? Cristiano Ronaldo's team-mates Aymeric Laporte and Marcelo Brozovic involved in heated spat before AFC Champions League clash
Al-Nassr's Marcelo Brozovic and Aymeric Laporte got into a heated argument ahead of the club's AFC Champions League clash against Al-Fayha.
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Article continues below
Article continues below
- Brozovic and Laporte involved in spat
- Team-mates and staff get involved
- Al-Nassr beat Al-Fayha 2-0 on the night
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Table of Contents
ToggleWHAT HAPPENED?
The former Manchester City defender appeared to have agitated the former Inter midfielder, who had to be restrained by members of the staff. Cameras followed the Al-Nassr midfielder as he appeared to be talking with Laporte before being shoved away by team-mate Ali Lajami. The Croatian turned around, and in order to keep things from getting out of control, a staff member had to step in between him and Lajami.
- Getty Images
THE BIGGER PICTURE
In January 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo initiated the Saudi revolution; in the summer, Brozovic and Laporte also did the same. Having just squared off in the Champions League final—possibly the pinnacle of club football—the two were viewed as a tremendous coup for the Saudi game. After winning the game and a treble with City, Laporte left and became the most highly-regarded defender in the SPL right away. But the 29-year-old hasn't had an easy time of it; he recently acknowledged he was "disappointed" with his new home.
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WHAT LUIS CASTRO SAID
Al-Nassr boss Luis Castro did not appear too worried about the incident when he spoke out after the match. "These confrontations can be a positive thing," he said after seeing his team progress to the next round.
- Getty Images
WHAT NEXT FOR AL-NASSR?
The Saudi Pro League side managed to push past Al-Fayha to get into the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League. They will next be in action when the club takes on Al-Shabab as they look to catch up with Al-Hilal at the top of the table.
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