BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Real Sociedad substitute Juan Miguel Jimenez dedicated the goal that earned a 1-1 draw at Celta Vigo on Thursday to a teammate recovering from a stroke.
After slotting in a pass by Aritz Elustondo in the 89th minute, Jimenez raced to the dugout and held up the No. 23 shirt of Lucas Sangalli, who suffered a light stroke while training with the team the day before the Copa del Rey match.
"It's an important goal for the tie and to show our support for Lucas, who we all miss very much," Jimenez said. "We hope he recovers soon and can get back to playing football, which is what he loves."
The club said on Wednesday that Sangalli was under observation in the hospital.
Sangalli, 23, has scored one goal in six appearances for Real Sociedad this season.
Celta went ahead in the 58th when striker Iago Aspas tapped in a cross headed toward to the far post by Nestor Araujo.
The return leg of the round-of-32 tie will be played during the first week in December.
TOP-TIER TROUBLES
Sevilla was held to a 0-0 draw at third-division Villanovense, and Eibar lost 2-0 at second-tier Sporting Gijon.
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