JAMES RODRIGUEZ escaped a red card after a horror challenge on Alexis Sanchez.
The pair faced off in a World Cup qualifier between Chile and Colombia in Santiago as Radamel Falcao scored an injury-time equaliser to secure a 2-2 draw.
James Rodriguez got away with a horror challenge on Alexis SanchezCredit: Marca
The Colombia star caught the Chile captain with his studs above the ankleCredit: Marca
But Colombia were fortunate to end the game with 11 players following the nasty tackle by the Everton star.
Rodriguez caught the Inter Milan forward with a full set of studs high on the outside of his right ankle.
The Chile captain was visibly hurt as he writhed in pain on the pitch – although he was able to continue for the full 90 minutes.
As was Rodriguez, who has started life at Goodison Park in red-hot form.
Referee Dario Herrera brandished a yellow card and the VAR decided not to upgrade the decision to red.
Jefferson Lerma gave Colombia a seventh-minute lead when he was allowed the freedom of Chile to ghost in at the back post and head in.
Arturo Vidal levelled things up seven minutes before the break by firing his penalty into the top corner in emphatic fashion.
And then Juan Cuadrado failed to clear a bouncing ball, allowing Sanchez to pounce and stab home to give Chile a half-time lead.
Sanchez was visibly hurt as he rolled on the turf Credit: Reuters
Rodriguez apologised to the referee who only showed the Everton man a yellow cardCredit: Reuters
But with the game into injury time, Falcao turned home smartly with his predatory instincts in the box to ensure the points were shared.
Colombia beat Venezuela in their first qualifier for Qatar 2022 last week while Chile lost 2-1 to Uruguay as Maxi Gomez struck in the 93rd minute.
Arturo Vidal smashed in a brilliant penalty to bring Chile back on to level termsCredit: Reuters
Radamel Falcao proved his class in the box once again to score an injury-time equaliserCredit: EPA
Alexis Sanchez says he is happy to be staying at Inter Milan
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
