Alexis Mac Allister in huge brawl after Liverpool team-mate Darwin Nunez floored by challenge
The two Liverpool stars went head-to-head for their nations during the recent international break
Alexis Mac Allister became embroiled in a multi-player brawl during Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Uruguay on Friday night, initiated following a mistimed tackle on his Liverpool team-mate Darwin Nunez. Thiago Almada’s solitary strike earned victory for the reigning world champions in an ill-tempered affair in Montevideo.
Argentina finished the clash with 10 men after substitute Nicolas Gonzalez was sent off during the dying stages after catching Nahitan Nandez in the face with a high boot.
But tempers had already flared earlier in the game after Cristian Romero left Nunez in a heap on the floor following an emphatic challenge.
This prompted a number of players from each side to become embroiled in a shoving match, including Mac Allister, as the Argentine rushed in to defend his compatriots as tempers threatened to boil over.
Mac Allister avoided punishment as he completed 80 minutes, while Nunez was fine to continue before being substituted in the 72nd minute moments after Almada’s opener as Uruguay searched in vain for an equaliser.
The Uruguayan media was not impressed with Nunez’s showing as his poor form in front of goal continued with the striker failing to register a shot on goal.
El Observador gave the striker a 4/10 in their player ratings following the clash, saying of the striker: "His usual display, but he ran into the same old problem: he couldn't get a clear ball to finish off the Argentine goalkeeper. He left the field in the 71st minute."
El Pais also shed light on Nunez’s hard work but acknowledged his struggles in front of goal, saying: "He fought every challenge and made an incredible effort to get back to the defensive line. He made a good decision when he won the ball outside the box. They couldn't create a clear scoring opportunity for him. He came off in the 72nd minute for Federico Viñas."
Elsewhere, Mohamed Salah claimed a goal and assist as he captained Egypt to a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia, while Harvey Elliott was on the scoresheet for England Under-21s but missed a penalty as they lost 5-3 to France.
Curtis Jones started for England as they beat Albania in Thomas Tuchel’s first match in charge, with the midfielder impressing national media.
Meanwhile, Stefan Bajcetic, who is currently out on loan at Las Palmas, came on as a substitute in Spain Under-21s' 2-2 draw with Czechia, while James McConnell and Trey Nyoni both came off the bench for England Elite League Squad in their 1-1 draw with Portugal.