Asencio stretchered off with neck injury in Champions League scare for Real Madrid
Raúl Asencio was taken off on a stretcher with a neck brace after a collision with Camavinga during Madrid's match against Benfica at the Bernabéu.
Real Madrid’s injury crisis at the back just got a whole lot worse — and the timing couldn’t be more grim with the business end of the Champions League on the horizon.
What happened?
In the closing stages of Madrid’s clash with Benfica at the Bernabéu, young centre-back Raúl Asencio was involved in a sickening aerial collision with his own teammate Eduardo Camavinga. The impact left Asencio completely motionless on the pitch, which — as anyone who’s watched football for more than five minutes knows — is never a good sign.
The medical staff rushed on quickly, and it soon became clear there was a concern about his neck. He was fitted with a cervical collar before being carried off on a stretcher. Shortly after, he was taken to hospital for a more thorough examination.
The state of Madrid’s backline right now
Look, Madrid’s defensive situation is genuinely worrying. Here’s where things stand:
- Militão is already out for several weeks — no timeline yet on his return
- Huijsen has been plagued by recurring muscular problems in recent weeks
- Asencio now heading to hospital with a neck injury of unknown severity
That is not a pretty picture, is it? Carlo Ancelotti is being asked to field a competitive Champions League side while his centre-back options are dropping like flies.
Why Asencio matters
The 21-year-old from the Canary Islands came through Madrid’s academy — a proper homegrown talent — and had been stepping up to fill the gaps left by the injuries ahead of him. He’s not a squad filler; he’s been a genuine contributor this season. Losing him, even temporarily, would be a serious blow to a side already patching things together at the back.
What’s next?
Madrid and their supporters will just have to wait for more information on the severity of the injury. The neck brace and the stretcher exit are obviously alarming images, but the full picture won’t be clear until the hospital assessment is done.
One thing’s for certain though — whoever Madrid face next in Europe, they’re going to have to be creative in how they line up defensively. Right now, the back four is looking more like a building site than a fortress. Proper worrying times at the Bernabéu.