Tuesday's Champions League fixtures turned into a night of remembrance for Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel, who died after a collision on the pitch.
European football paused to remember one of its own on Tuesday. Tributes for Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel were paid across the Champions League fixtures, after the forward died following a collision during a match.
The loss hit well beyond Tenerife. Champions League night is usually about goals, drama and rivalry, but this time the sport's biggest stage was used to honour a player from a different level of the game. It showed how far a tragedy like this reaches through the football family.
For teammates, coaches and supporters of Tenerife, the grief is the most immediate and the most personal. A striker's life is spent chasing the ball and competing for it, and few in the stadium expect a routine challenge to end this way.
The tributes across Tuesday's matches were a reminder that players, whatever their club or competition, share the same risks and the same bond. Afroballers sends condolences to De Miguel's family, friends, teammates and everyone connected to Tenerife.
