Watch: Zlatan Ibrahimovic activates WWE mode on Chelsea’s Azpilicueta

Zlatan Ibrahimovic somehow escaped getting sent-off during Sweden’s World Cup qualifier against Spain despite a brutal shoulder barge on Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta.

Ibrahimovic came on as a late substitute in Seville with the game at 0-0 and Sweden needing a goal to pip their hosts to automatic qualification.

But a late strike from Alvaro Morata sent Spain to Qatar and left Sweden needing to win two play-offs next March to join them.

While the 40-year-old Ibrahimovic failed to make an impact on the scoreline, he certainly left an impression on Azpilicueta.

As a corner was swung into the Spanish penalty area, the veteran striker smashed into the back of his opponent. It was a move that would have even attracted winces in a WWE bout.

Azpilicueta immediately hit the floor in some pain and the Spain players surrounded the referee Felix Brych in an attempt to get Ibrahimovic sent off.

He escaped on-pitch punishment but it was later revealed that the AC Milan star had received a booking that activates a suspension for Sweden’s next match.

NOOOO ATROPELLARON A AZPI 😱😱😭😭😡😡 pic.twitter.com/8Dw5wysLcr

— Falcons (@Falcons) November 14, 2021

More from Planet Football

Ranking 12 of Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s best goals in order of ridiculousness

Can you name all nine clubs that Zlatan Ibrahimovic has played for?