Diego Llorente struck in the head and leaves on foot after medical scare as Betis win 3–2

Real Betis advanced in the Copa del Rey but the victory over lower‑league Navalcarnero (3–2 after extra time) was overshadowed by a frightening head injury to defender Diego Llorente.

The incident occurred in the 102nd minute when Llorente clashed with an opponent and suffered a heavy blow to the head. He remained on the turf and play was halted while medical staff rushed on to treat him.

Medical scare on the pitch

Some teammates reacted visibly shaken: midfielder Dani Ceballos began to pray on the field as medics attended Llorente. The scenes revived painful memories in Spain after the recent death of Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel.

Shortly after treatment, Llorente was able to stand and walked off the pitch, but he was not able to continue the match. The club later described his condition as reassuring.

Coach Manuel Pellegrini spoke after the game and confirmed Llorente’s recovery from the episode: "He received a blow to the head and lost consciousness. However, two or three minutes later, in the dressing room, he was already fine." He added: "He has already passed all the checks. There are no injuries."

Spanish football has been on edge since the tragic death of Jesús de Miguel on 3 November, when a chest blow in a clash with Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Ovono triggered a fatal cardiac arrest. Tonight’s scenes heightened those fears among players and supporters alike.

Photo: press material from the event