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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Bailly and Lewandowski clash in heated game</li><li>Defender then scores own goal</li><li>Bailly lucky to avoid sending off</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Eric Bailly in ugly headbutt confrontation with Robert Lewandowski as ex-Man Utd defender somehow survives red card before scoring costly own goal against Barcelona

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.

WHAT HAPPENED?

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<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-au/news/man-utd-confirm-eric-bailly-s-exit-defender-turkish-side-besiktas/blt9b512fc7e086c199" target="_blank"> left for Besiktas in the summer.</a> A fresh start quickly turned sour as <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/eric-bailly-released-besiktas-terminate-contract-after-less-than-four-months/blt1b88c5ed3cd36274" target="_blank">he had his deal terminated by the Turkish side</a> before rejoining Villarreal.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

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.

DID YOU KNOW?

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.

WHAT NEXT FOR BAILLY?

Eric Bailly in ugly headbutt confrontation with Robert Lewandowski as ex-Man Utd defender somehow survives red card before scoring costly own goal against Barcelona | Goal.com UK

Former Manchester United defender, Eric Bailly, was lucky to escape without a red card before unluckily scoring an own goal against Barcelona.