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Joao Correia sets Champions League record for fastest Red Card



Pafos winger Joao Correia made unwanted Champions League history on Tuesday, receiving the fastest Red Card in the tournament’s history just moments into his side’s third-round match against Kairat.

The Cape Verde international was shown a straight red card after a reckless challenge on former Portugal U21 defender Luis Mata, catching him in the face with a dangerously high boot.

English referee Chris Kavanagh wasted no time reaching for his red card, leaving the Cypriot debutants to play nearly the entire match with 10 men.

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The dismissal shattered the previous record for the quickest sending-off in a Champions League match and effectively ended Pafos’ hopes of claiming their first-ever victory in Europe’s elite competition.

While Correia’s moment of madness grabbed headlines, the game also marked a milestone for David Luiz, the former Chelsea and Arsenal defender, who made Champions League history of his own.

Luiz, at 38 years and 161 days, lined up against Kairat captain Aleksandr Martynovich (38 years and 35 days), making it the first time in UEFA Champions League history that two outfield players aged 38 or older have started in the same match.

Luiz joined Pafos in August from Brazil, helping guide the Cypriot club through their maiden Champions League campaign. But despite his veteran presence, the night quickly descended into chaos following Correia’s record-breaking red card.

 

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.



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