Juan Izquierdo collapses on the pitch against Sao Paulo

Nacional defender Juan Izquierdo, aged 27, collapsed on the field and was subsequently transported to a hospital after experiencing an irregular heartbeat during the second leg of a Copa Libertadores round of 16 match against Sao Paulo at Morumbi Stadium in Brazil on Thursday.

Izquierdo had come on as a substitute for Sebastian Coates at halftime but lost consciousness in the 84th minute without any physical contact from an opposing player.

Players from both teams promptly summoned medical assistance. While still unconscious, the defender was carried off the field in an ambulance to the applause of the spectators.

"Juan Izquierdo experienced an irregular heartbeat during the match against Sao Paulo," Nacional announced on the social media platform X.

"He is currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit at Albert Einstein Hospital. His condition is stable, and he remains under observation."

Sao Paulo extended their wishes for a swift recovery to Izquierdo in a message on X.

The match proceeded, with goals from Damian Bobadilla and Jonathan Calleri securing a 2-0 victory for Sao Paulo, which, following a scoreless draw in the first leg, advanced them to an all-Brazilian quarter-final against Botafogo.