Betis awaits update on Pepe Mel's health after stroke

Former Betis manager Pepe Mel, 63, suffered a stroke and underwent successful surgery in Seville; he remains in intensive care.

Real Betis announced on Sunday that former manager Pepe Mel had suffered a stroke and been operated on in Seville. The surgery was successful and the 63-year-old remains hospitalized in intensive care awaiting further developments.

Mel is the third manager in Betis history by number of matches managed, with 202 games. He also played for the club between 1989 and 1993, making 132 appearances and scoring 58 goals. His managerial tenure at Betis spanned two periods: he led the club from the second division to promotion in 2011, and returned to guide them back to the top flight in 2015 after a spell away.