Editor's note: potentially graphic images included in this post.

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It's hard to tell what hurt more: knocking heads with an opposing team's soccer player or having an open gash stapled together on the field and then returning to the game.

Kleper Laveran Lima Ferreira -- known as Pepe -- a defender for Real Madrid's Champions League, in a match with Copenhagen, crashed head-on with Daniel Braathen, according to Yahoo Sports.

Watch the collision that occurred as both men went in for a header:

The gash at his eyebrow sent him to the ground, wincing in pain. Medics rushed in and didn't stitch up Pepe, as the saying goes, but stapled him up.

Pepe before he was treated for the injury. (Image source: YouTube video screenshot)

Real's Pepe is treated for an injury during the Champions League group B soccer match between Real Madrid and FC Copenhagen at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

Medics staple Pepe's head. (Image source: YouTube video screenshot)

His head was bandaged and he actually returned to the game.

Real Madrid's Pepe, wearing a headband after colliding with FC Copenhagen's Daniel Braaten earlier in the match, controls the ball during their Champions League soccer match at Bernabeu stadium in Madrid October 2, 2013. (REUTERS/Paul Hanna)

If you can handle it, watch Pepe as his wound is stapled:

And, in case you're wondering, Madrid defeated Copenhagen 4-0.

(H/T: Deadspin)

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