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Sevilla Confirm Eduardo Berizzo Cancer Diagnosis After Liverpool Comeback

Tom Sunderland@@TomSunderland_X.com LogoFeatured ColumnistNovember 22, 2017

Sevilla's Argentinian midfielder Guido Pizarro (R) celebrates with Sevilla's Argentinian coach Eduardo Berizzo (L) after scoring a goal on November 21, 2017 at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Sevilla during the UEFA Champions League group E football match between Sevilla FC and Liverpool FC.  / AFP PHOTO / CRISTINA QUICLER        (Photo credit should read CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/Getty Images)
CRISTINA QUICLER/Getty Images

Sevilla's sensational comeback from three goals down against Liverpool on Tuesday evening has been given new meaning after it was confirmed manager Eduardo Berizzo has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The Spanish hosts were 3-0 down at the break in a pivotal UEFA Champions League group fixture but hit back to draw 3-3, after which the club's official website confirmed his illness.

Sevilla FC @SevillaFC_ENG

Club statement on Eduardo Berizzo ➡️ https://t.co/LI1KzQjvtB #AguanteToto https://t.co/59TDPYmpZX

A statement read: "Sevilla FC's medical department has confirmed that first-team coach, Eduardo Berizzo, has been diagnosed with prostaticadenocarcinoma. Future medical tests will determine a course of treatment."

However, reports that Berizzo informed his players of his diagnosis while 3-0 down at half-time are incorrect. Matias Grez of CNN said the playing staff were told the news "a few days ago." 

That contrasted with initial reports that Berizzo first revealed the news during the interval at the Estadio Sanchez Pizjuan, prior to their remarkable comeback. 

The Reds steamrolled their hosts in the first half thanks to a Roberto Firmino brace and Sadio Mane's reactionary header, but Wissam Ben Yedder bagged a double of his own before Guido Pizarro's injury-time equaliser.

It's unknown thus far as to what the future holds for Berizzo and how long he can expect to remain in a full-time position while he undergoes treatment.

His side currently sit fifth in La Liga, while Tuesday's draw meant they remain one point behind Group E leaders Liverpool with one pool match left. The two teams will be back in European action on December 6, when Sevilla travel to Maribor and Liverpool host Spartak Moscow.