Real Madrid’s Raul Asencio showed remarkable dedication and resilience as he battled illness to play against Celta Vigo in the team’s crucial La Liga victory on Sunday.
Asencio reportedly slept poorly for two nights leading up to the game and was suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting.
Despite his condition, he promised Carlo Ancelotti that he would play until he had no strength left.
Ancelotti ultimately made the decision to substitute Asencio for Jacobo Ramon with about 30 minutes left to play, when Asencio couldn’t take it anymore.
The substitution drew criticism from supporters, but Ancelotti explained that it was a necessary decision due to Asencio’s condition.
“We made the substitution because Asencio couldn’t take it anymore,” Ancelotti said.
Real Madrid had been in control of the game, leading 3-0 with half an hour to go, but Celta Vigo scored two late goals, making the final scoreline 3-2.
Ancelotti acknowledged that the team could have handled the situation better, but the win was a welcome relief.
“Yes, we could have handled it better, we suffered a little but it’s a nice victory,” he said.