Barcelona striker Sergio Aguero has been admitted to hospital for a cardiac exam after experiencing chest pain during Saturday's (October 30th) 1-1 draw with Alaves.
The Argentine striker, who left Manchester City for Barcelona as a free agent in the summer, required medical attention shortly before half-time having complained of dizziness. There was growing distress in the stadium in the 40th minute as Aguero lay flat on pitch, having gone down moments after he had his hand placed on his chest.
33 year old Aguero was seen holding his chest and will undergo cardiac tests at hospital as a precautionary measure, after leaving the ground in an ambulance. He was replaced by Philippe Coutinho. Confirming the news, Barcelona wrote on Twitter: " @aguerosergiokun reported chest discomfort and has been admitted to the hospital for a cardiac exam." Aguero's former team Manchester City also sent a message of support and wished the Argentine well.
Caretaker coach Sergi Barjuán said: “He told me he was a little dizzy. I have found out now that they have taken him to the hospital to see what he really has. I do not know any more.”
After a cagey first half, Dutch forward Memphis Depay put Barcelona ahead four minutes after the interval with a fine strike from outside the penalty area. The lead lasted only three minutes, however, as Alavés winger Luis Rioja conjured up an excellent equaliser, playing a neat one-two with Joselu before rounding Barça keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen to score.
After defeats by Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano which led to the Koeman sacking, only 37,000 fans turned up at the Camp Nou to see the first game under caretaker coach Sergi, the club’s worst attendance for 20 years. Eric García had Barca’s best opportunity in the first half with a header and Agüero’s long-distance shot flew wide but the best chance fell to Alavés’s Edgar Mendes.
Barcelona came out with more aggressive intent after the interval and Depay produced a stunning strike to register his fifth goal of the season.
Rioja responded quickly, however, running onto Joselu’s backheel to round Ter Stegen and place the ball into an empty net. Barcelona’s 17-year-old midfielder Gavi dribbled past four Alavés defenders and set up Memphis whose effort hit the post and Nico also created a chance for the Dutchman which was saved by keeper Antonio Sivera.