Sevilla’s Puerta ‘critical’ ahead of AEK clash
AEK’s Champions League opponent Sevilla has suffered a setback after midfielder Antonio Puerta was admitted to intensive care. The Spanish club has reported that he suffered two heart attacks. The Spain international collapsed during Sevilla’s 4-1 win against Getafe in the weekend’s opening round of play in the top-tier Primera Liga. The 22-year-old struggled midway through the first half. Club doctors prevented Puerta from swallowing his tongue, but he collapsed again in the changing rooms after he was taken off for cardiac resuscitation before being taken to the hospital. His condition was described as «very serious» and club President Jose Maria del Nido claimed it was a heart attack. Sevilla, winner of the past two UEFA Cup finals, are due to play AEK at the Olympic Stadium in Athens tomorrow on the return leg of a qualifier for a place in the Champions League’s group stage. Sevilla won the first leg 2-0 at home.