Seizure Halts Estudiantes-Boca Showdown, Player Hospitalized

In a frightening scene that sent shockwaves through the Argentine soccer community, the highly-anticipated league match between Estudiantes de la Plata and Boca Juniors was abruptly halted on Sunday after Estudiantes midfielder Javier Altamirano suffered a seizure on the pitch.

The 24-year-old Chilean international, who had been called up to the national team for upcoming friendlies against Albania and France, collapsed to the ground in the 27th minute, prompting immediate concern from teammates and medical staff. Referee Fernando Echenique swiftly stopped play as Altamirano received urgent medical attention.

Disturbing footage showed the young player convulsing as he lay motionless on the field, with players from both teams visibly shaken by the terrifying incident. After initial on-site treatment, Altamirano was rushed to the Platense Medical Institute via ambulance for further evaluation and care.

In a statement released by Estudiantes, the club confirmed that Altamirano was in stable condition and undergoing a battery of tests, including a CT scan that revealed no apparent abnormalities. “Javier Altamirano suffered a seizure,” the statement read. “He is in hospital under observation and to complete studies. A CT scan was performed, which showed no obvious pathological images. He is stable.”

Team doctor Hugo Montenegro revealed that Altamirano had no prior history of convulsions, and the episode occurred without any apparent high-impact collision or trauma, adding to the mystery surrounding the concerning incident.

The match, which was being played at Estudiantes’ Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi, was ultimately suspended, with no immediate date set for its resumption. Both coaches, Eduardo Dominguez of Estudiantes and Boca’s Diego Martinez, expressed their primary concern for Altamirano’s well-being, with Dominguez admitting the emotional toll the situation had taken on the players.

“Life comes before any situation. There are many things more important than a football game,” Dominguez said. “It is very difficult to see the players crying, Javi [Altamirano] is a beloved man, his wife is pregnant and was there. We were all desperate to look for her and for her to be with him.”

Martinez echoed those sentiments, stating, “The most important thing is that Javier feels well.”

The incident has reignited discussions around player safety and medical preparedness in Argentine soccer, with calls for increased measures to protect athletes from such potentially life-threatening situations.

As the soccer world anxiously awaits further updates on Altamirano’s condition, the focus remains squarely on his recovery, serving as a sobering reminder that some things transcend the beautiful game itself.