WATCH: Former Real Madrid star James Rodriguez victim of horror red card after kick to the neck in Liga MX match vs. Pachuca

In a stunning turn of events, James Rodriguez’s time in Mexico has yet again been plagued with a kick to his body after the midfielder was on the receiving end of a brutal tackle. The 33-year-old was kicked in the neck area by Pachuca's Elias Montiel in a Liga MX match Wednesday evening. The incident took place in first half stoppage time as Rodriguez attempted to control a long-range pass when Montiel flew in to challenge him.

The referee immediately sent the Pachuca star off, and despite looking worse for wear, Rodriguez was fine to carry on and proved to be the difference maker. He played the full 90 minutes and thanks to the man advantage, Leon walked away with a 2-1 win and moved to the top of the table.

James Rodriguez had a lot to say after his side’s win but he believes that team still have a long way to go even after their 2-1 victory over Pachuca. The Colombian added that it was a tough match against the reigning CONCACAF Champions Cup champions despite the advantage that his side had.

“We won a tough match, they controlled the first half. But well, we have to correct things, there is still a long way to go. The good thing is that we are going through a good phase, we have already played five games and we are thinking about the next one . Now we just have to be well and calm to think about Saturday, which will also be tough.

“I wish we had a complete game playing well , but it is true that you cannot always control the game. I think that their red card helped a lot and we played a pretty good second half and I think that if we continue along this same path we will be fine.”

Despite his fitness issues, Rodriguez has not only managed to play all but one game for Club Leon since signing for them but has also taken over the captain’s armband. This is reflected in the midfielder’s performances on the field, with him playing a key role in the club’s early success. So much so, that Leon have won five straight games for the first time in their history.

However, the Colombian’s start to the Liga MX has certainly been interesting as he has already been kicked twice in as many games for Leon. The first came during a game against Chivas towards the end of January, where Rodriguez was kicked by manager Oscar Garcia after a melee occurred during the game. Garcia has since apologised for his role in the melee and for kicking Rodriguez.

With five straight wins to their name, Club Leon are in high sprits and so is James Rodriguez as the Colombian has contributed to two goals in three appearances for the club. Sitting first in the Clausura standings, life is comfortable at the moment.