Real Madrid defender Raúl Asencio was stretchered off during his team’s 2-1 victory over Benfica in the second leg of the Champions League playoff round on Wednesday evening. The incident occurred in the 77th minute following a collision with teammate Eduardo Camavinga even as contesting an aerial duel.
Asencio remained on the pitch receiving medical attention for over five minutes before being removed on a stretcher and wearing a neck brace, raising concerns about a potential serious injury. Television footage showed the player coughing and appearing to have difficulty breathing as he was being attended to by medical staff. He was subsequently transported to a hospital for further evaluation.
According to comments made after the match, reported by 20minutos, Real Madrid director Arbeloa indicated that the injury appeared to be neck-related but “not seem[ing] grave.” Further tests are being conducted at the hospital to determine the full extent of the injury.
Camavinga was as well substituted following the collision, though he was able to walk off the field unaided. David Alaba replaced Asencio on the pitch.
The match itself saw Vinicius Júnior score the decisive goal in the 85th minute, securing Real Madrid’s passage to the Champions League round of 16 with an aggregate score of 3-1. Benfica’s Rafa Silva was involved in the play that led to Asencio’s injury.
Elsewhere in Champions League action on Wednesday, Paris Saint-Germain advanced to the round of 16 after a 2-2 draw with Monaco, winning the tie 5-4 on aggregate. Atalanta also progressed, defeating Borussia Dortmund 4-3 overall. Galatasaray and Juventus played to a 5-5 draw, with the Turkish side taking the lead in extra time.
The draw for the Champions League round of 16 is scheduled to take place on Friday at 12:00 local time. The first legs will be played on March 10-11, with the return legs on March 17-18.
