It was a huge shock: Real defender Raul Asencio remained on the ground after a collision in the second leg of the Champions League play-off against Benfica Lisbon. It was the 71st minute when everything immediately fell silent at the Bernabeu. Asencio was treated for minutes before a neck brace was placed on him and he was carried off the pitch. ÖFB star David Alaba came into the game for him.
Asencio was taken to the hospital with a suspected serious neck injury. “We took our breath away when we saw him being taken away on a stretcher. There’s something in the neck, doesn’t seem to be serious. Hopefully it’s just a shock,” coach Alvaro Arbeloa gave a first update.
Now the 23-year-old Asencio spoke up himself via Instagram: “Thank you very much for all the encouraging messages! It was just a shock! On to the next round!” He should be feeling better again.