Racing Santander defender Alvaro Mantilla has been diagnosed with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament after being injured during the club’s weekend La Liga match against Real Madrid.

The 26-year-old went down in the first half and appeared visibly distressed before medical staff treated him on the pitch. Supporters at the Campos de Sport applauded Mantilla as he received attention and was then carried off on a stretcher.

Further examinations confirmed the extent of the injury, with Racing Santander announcing the diagnosis in an official statement on Monday.

The incident has prompted renewed criticism of Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho in Spain, with scrutiny focused on the circumstances surrounding Mantilla’s injury.

Racing Santander are now assessing the defender’s recovery prospects. It remains unclear whether the Portuguese manager will make a public response to the controversy.