In AFC Champions League
©IMAGO
Goalkeeper Sergio Rico celebrated a successful comeback 492 days after his serious riding accident. The 31-year-old Spaniard joined Al-Gharafa SC in Qatar almost a week ago and made his debut on Tuesday evening in the 4-2 win in the AFC Champions League against Al-Ain FC.
Rico narrowly survived a riding accident at the end of May 2023. After suffering a traumatic brain injury, the Spanish 2016 European Championship participant spent around three months in hospital, 26 days of which were in a coma. During that time, the goalkeeper lost almost 20 kilograms. His contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired in the summer. Rico played his last competitive game 878 days ago on May 7, 2022 in the RCD Mallorca jersey against FC Granada (2:6).
Former Real professional Joselu (45th + 2/48th minute) gave Al-Gharafa the lead with a brace shortly before and after the break, but the defending champions came back again. Rico had no chance with a Panenka penalty from Kaku (56′) and Soufiane Rahimi’s equalizer (66′). Seydou Sano (72nd) and Yacine Brahimi (76th) then made the decision in favor of Al-Gharafa, who were able to score the first three points in the second group game. “And play again and win again. Thank you for your support, fans. The first victory of many,” wrote Rico via Instagram.
