Uruguayan Footballer Juan Izquierdo Collapses on Pitch, Rushed to Hospital
During the second leg of the Copa Libertadores Round of 16 match between Nacional and Sao Paulo at Brazil’s Morumbi Stadium on Thursday, Uruguayan defender Juan Izquierdo suffered a medical emergency and collapsed on the pitch.
The incident occurred in the 84th minute after Izquierdo had replaced Sebastian Coates at halftime. Izquierdo suddenly fell unconscious, prompting his teammates to rush to his aid and prevent him from further injury. The match was immediately halted as players from both teams called for urgent medical assistance.
Izquierdo, who remained unconscious, was swiftly transported off the pitch in an ambulance and rushed to the hospital for treatment. Sao Paulo expressed their concern on social media, stating, “We wish a speedy recovery to Nacional player Juan Izquierdo. May all be well as soon as possible.”
After the incident, the match resumed, with Sao Paulo emerging victorious 2-0 thanks to goals from Damian Bobadilla and Jonathan Calleri. No goals were scored in the first leg. Sao Paulo will now face Botafogo in an all-Brazilian quarter-final at the Copa Libertadores.
Nacional provided an update on Izquierdo’s condition via social media, stating that he had suffered an irregular heartbeat during the match and was placed in the Intensive Care Unit at the Albert Einstein Hospital.
“Juan Izquierdo suffered an irregular heartbeat during the match against Sao Paulo,” Nacional shared on social media. “He is being treated in the Intensive Care Unit at Albert Einstein Hospital, currently stable and under observation.”
The football community has rallied around Izquierdo, sending messages of support and prayers for his speedy recovery. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of player safety and the need for prompt medical attention in such situations.
