Atletico Madrid’s Sime Vrsaljko played with a fractured face for one half
SIME VRSALJKO ATLETICO MADRID
© Getty Images
Atletico qualified for the CL round of 16 with a win in Porto. Sime Vrsaljko held out until the end with an injury.
Atletico Madrid’s Sime Vrsaljko played half of his team’s 3-1 away win at FC Porto in the Champions League with a fracture of the zygomatic arch in his face.
The Croat now needs an operation. This was announced by his club. The Spaniards qualified in the heated duel for the second round of the premier class.
Simeone on Vrsaljko: “I’m very happy for him”
Vrsaljko burst into tears after Angel Correa scored in the 89th minute. He had helped out as a regular right-back in the defensive center and persevered despite the serious injury. “I’m very happy for him, he played the entire second half with the injury to his face,” said Madrid coach Diego Simeone, who cheered together with Vrsaljko afterwards.
“It’s good when you tell the team that everyone is important and then someone who doesn’t play a lot is crucial,” said the Argentine coach. Vrsaljko stepped in for the missing Jose Maria Gimenez and Stefan Savic in the middle of the defense.
