Madrid  - Almani Moreira, Portuguese player for Partizan Belgrade, is in hospital in Seville after fainting on the field at the start of Wednesday's UEFA Cup clash between Sevilla and Partizan.

Moreira collapsed after just three minutes of the game, on the same Sanchez Pizjuan pitch where Sevilla youngster Antonio Puerta died of a massive heart attack in August
2007.

Moreira was stretchered off and taken by ambulance to the Virgen del Rocio hospital, where his condition is said to be stable. He will spend the night in the hospital and will undergo various tests on Thursday.

Sevilla went on to win the match 3-0, with two goals from Luis Fabiano and one from fellow Brazilian Renato.

Since the death of Puerta, Spanish football has been very concerned with the health of players.

Four weeks ago, Real Madrid midfielder Ruben de la Red collapsed at the start of the cup match away to third division Union Irun. He is still undergoing strenuous tests, and has not played since. (dpa)