Applaususes rang out from the very moment that Tenerife captain Enric Gallego placed a wreath on the pitch while players from both squads gathered around and an image of Jesús de Miguel celebrating a goal appeared on the stadium scoreboard.
Twelve days after forward Jesús de Miguel died from injuries sustained during a match against Andorra, Tenerife returned to competition on Sunday with a solemn tribute at Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium.
The 26-year-old Madrid-born striker passed away in the hospital on November 3 following a severe collision with Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono during a Segunda División fixture on November 2. As Tenerife prepared to face Ceuta in their first match back, the stadium presented an emotional scene with fans and players directing their attention toward the sky.
Ceuta players laid a floral tribute at Gate 9 of the stadium ahead of kickoff, sharing a message on social media that read, “Always in our hearts.” “Always in our hearts,” the club from the autonomous city tweeted in the post illustrated with photographs of their players depositing the flowers.
Players and Supporters Tribute De Miguel Before Kickoff
“Everything in this match is going to be different,” Tenerife head coach Álvaro Cervera said before kickoff.
Tenerife captain Enric Gallego placed a wreath on the pitch while players from both squads gathered around the center circle. The stadium scoreboard displayed an image of de Miguel celebrating a goal.
Both teams wore shirts bearing the phrase “Always in our hearts” before observing a moment of silence. Play paused during the ninth minute as supporters at the stadium stood to applaud, mirroring tributes held across Spain’s top two divisions following the tragedy.
Owono Receives 12-Match Suspension Following De Miguel Collision
The Competition Committee issued a 12-match suspension to Owono two days prior to the fixture. Only two days before had the sanction arrived for Owono, whom the Competition Committee imposed a punishment of twelve matches as a consequence of that brutal clash that cost Jesús de Miguel his life.
The Andorra goalkeeper received a direct red card in the final moments of the November 2 match after colliding with de Miguel while both players contested the ball.
Ceuta’s visit marked their first trip to the Heliodoro Rodríguez López in 58 years, though sporting competition took a secondary role to honoring the late forward.
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