Defensive Crisis for Real Madrid as Raúl Asencio Stretchered Off

​The celebratory mood at the Santiago Bernabéu following Real Madrid's victory over Benfica was tempered by a serious injury to rising star Raúl Asencio. In the 77th minute of the UEFA Champions League play-off second leg, the 23-year-old center-back was forced from the field following a violent accidental collision with his own teammate, Eduardo Camavinga. The two players clashed in the air while attempting a clearance, leaving Raúl Asencio motionless on the turf for several minutes as medical staff rushed to his aid.

​The severity of the situation became clear when Raúl Asencio was fitted with a neck brace and carried off the pitch on a stretcher. While Eduardo Camavinga was able to recover quickly before being substituted, Raúl Asencio was immediately transferred to a nearby hospital for emergency scans. In his post-match comments, Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa offered a cautious update, noting that while the injury appeared to be related to the neck, early assessments suggested it might not be as catastrophic as initially feared.

​This injury leaves Real Madrid in a precarious defensive position as they head into the Round of 16. With Éder Militão and Dean Huijsen already sidelined, the potential long-term absence of Raúl Asencio leaves Antonio Rüdiger and the veteran David Alaba as the only fully fit senior center-backs. Fans and teammates alike are now awaiting an official medical statement to determine if the La Fabrica graduate will be able to return for the next phase of the tournament.