Tenerife striker De Miguel stable after collision, cardiac arrest in ambulance

CD Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel was seriously injured in a horrific collision during a Spanish second division match. His heart stopped in the ambulance on the way to hospital, but rapid treatment brought the 30-year-old footballer back from the brink of death.

The accident happened on Monday in the match against FC Andorra. The score was level at 2-2 in the seventh minute of stoppage time when hosts Tenerife launched a counter-attack with a long pass from their own half, and De Miguel was running towards the ball.

Just past the halfway line, his run was halted by a horrific collision with Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono, who had leapt forward to clear the ball. Owono was shown a red card immediately after the collision.

De Miguel lay on the pitch writhing in pain, and an Andorra player quickly signalled for help as he saw his condition. The mood on the pitch changed in an instant: panic spread among both sets of players, and several of De Miguel's teammates were seen in tears.

Given the seriousness of the situation, referee Manuel Perez abandoned the match shortly after sending Owono off.

According to Spanish media reports, De Miguel suffered a cardiac arrest in the ambulance on the way to hospital. Paramedics revived him with emergency treatment, and he was admitted to the Nuestra Senora de Candelaria University Hospital.

CD Tenerife said De Miguel sustained serious injuries to his head and chest, but his condition is now stable. The news has brought some relief to the club and its supporters after the horrific accident.

FC Andorra issued a statement wishing De Miguel a speedy recovery, saying it sent its maximum strength and best wishes to the player and hoped he would recover quickly.

Several other Spanish league clubs also expressed sympathy for De Miguel. Record title winners Real Madrid, FC Valencia and Rayo Vallecano were among the clubs wishing him a speedy recovery.