What Happened
Real Madrid centre-back Raul Asencio was stretchered off the field during a Champions League match against Benfica on Wednesday night. The incident occurred following a collision with teammate Eduardo Camavinga while attempting an aerial clearance in the second half of the knockout round playoff.
Asencio was fitted with a neck brace and removed from the pitch in the 77th minute, raising immediate concerns about his health. David Alaba replaced him shortly thereafter.
Why It Matters
The injury comes at a critical time for Real Madrid, who are already facing challenges with player availability. The team is without star forward Kylian Mbappe due to a knee issue, and Asencio’s absence could further complicate their defensive strategy. Prior to the injury, Asencio had been under scrutiny for his performance, particularly after a disappointing display in a recent La Liga match against Osasuna, where he was criticized for his role in conceding a late goal.
What’s Next
As of now, there is no official update on the severity of Asencio’s injury. The club’s medical team is expected to provide further information in the coming days. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will need to regroup as they prepare for upcoming fixtures, including the second leg of their Champions League playoff against Benfica, where they currently hold a one-goal lead.