In a recent encounter that kept football enthusiasts on edge, Álvaro Arbeloa, the coach of Real Madrid, delivered his inaugural official statement concerning the condition of Raúl Asensio. The defender was compelled to leave the pitch during the match against Benfica on Wednesday evening, in the second leg of the qualifying playoff for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, being carried off on a stretcher.
The incident unfolded dramatically in the 70th minute, when a fierce collision occurred between Camavinga and Asensio, leading to a thunderous fall that instantly raised alarms. While Camavinga managed to recuperate swiftly, Asensio remained motionless on the ground, apparently suffering a severe injury to his cervical vertebrae.
Medical personnel promptly intervened, administering immediate care and fitting a neck brace before transporting him off the field on a stretcher, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Arbeloa’s Reflections and Player Performances
Following the match, Arbeloa addressed the media via Movistar+, offering insights into Asensio’s plight: “It seems to be related to his neck, but it does not appear to be serious.” He further elaborated, “He was taken to the hospital, and we hope it is nothing more than a cause for concern. The impact was significant, and we were all deeply frightened. However, at this moment, it looks like there is no major damage.”
Reflecting on the team’s challenging start during the fixture, the coach commented, “In any match, especially in Europe’s premier competition, nothing comes easily. We faced intense pressure and struggled to break out of our defensive zone. There were spaces behind their lines that we failed to exploit initially. We managed to rectify this somewhat after the break, and progressively our performance improved.”
Regarding the crucial equalizing goal scored by Camavinga that leveled the score at 1-1, Arbeloa underscored its significance: “This goal holds immense importance. We have discussed it extensively in recent days. Camavinga has been performing at an astonishing level. Were he able to contribute more, he would certainly be scoring goals. I hope this is the first of many.”
Turning attention to Vinicius Jr., the coach praised his exceptional display: “He delivered an outstanding performance, exceeding expectations by scoring and posing constant threats. He boasts numerous awards for the best player in the league. Camavinga’s relentless efforts often go underappreciated.”
Arbeloa also reflected on the absence of Kylian Mbappé, stating, “When Mbappé was here, we truly needed him, and now that he is absent, our need becomes even greater. He must serve as our leader and benchmark. We have witnessed firsthand his capability to influence the game decisively.”
As for the Benfica coach, José Mourinho, Arbeloa admitted, “I was unable to see him.”