Alvaro Gonzalez's attempt to kick Neymar backfires, ends up with injury during PSG win

Defending Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Marseille have had a history of intense rivalry. The 'Classique' clash has witnessed rage between the two sides, but hasn't ever fallen short of entertainment. The most-watched Ligue 1 fixture arguably has seen the rise of another rivalry, between Neymar Jr and Alvaro Gonzalez. The heated rivalry was again on the fore between the two players on Sunday.

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Alvaro Gonzalez attempts to kick Neymar during PSG vs Marseille clash 

It wasn't unexpected that Alvaro Gonzalez and Neymar would confront each other after their heated exchange in the previous two fixtures this season. But an onfield conflict was avoided, although temporarily when Mauricio Pochettino decided to introduce Neymar as a substitute in the second half. 

But the Brazilian forward did not leave any space for Gonzalez as he raced past him on the left flank within seconds of his introduction in the game. Seemingly infuriated, Gonzalez tried to kick the former Barcelona superstar but failed again. The Spanish defender then stepped on Neymar's foot and was fortunate enough to escape a penalty. 

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Fans mock Alvaro Gonzalez's injury while attempting to tackle Neymar 

But the tackle appeared to have taken a toll on the Marseille defender. He visibly injured himself while attempting to tackle Neymar and had to be subbed off in the 78th minute. Fans could not hold on to the anecdote, with some describing it as poetic justice. 

However, this isn't the first time that the two have ended up in a conflict on the field. During their first face-off in Ligue 1 this season, Neymar and Gonzalez ended up in a confrontation following the Brazilian's accusation of being abused racially. Neymar was also seen striking at the Marseille defender's head. Similarly, the two players ended up in a Twitter spat following PSG's victory over Marseille in the French Super Cup. 

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PSG vs Marseille: Mbappe, Icardi net once each to bag Classique victory 

Meanwhile, the absence of Neymar in the first half did not have a detrimental impact on Pochettino's men. Kylian Mbappe bagged an early goal in the 9th minute, followed by Mauro Icardi's header to double the lead for the Parc des Princes outfit. Besides, Marseille went a man down with Dimitri Payet receiving his marching orders in the 90th minute. The champions, despite the victory, sit third in the Ligue 1 standings, with a three-point deficit over leaders Lille. 

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Image courtesy: PSG Twitter