Champions League clubs pay tribute to De Miguel following Tenerife forward’s death

Champions League clubs paid tribute to Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel following his death after an on-field collision during a Spanish second-division match on Monday.

According to The Independent, via the Associated Press (AP)⁠, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Villarreal abandoned the customary Champions League anthem before their respective matches on Tuesday in honour of the 30-year-old.

De Miguel suffered cardiac arrest after being struck in the chest by FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono during Monday’s encounter. Several stadiums across Europe, including Old Trafford, where Manchester United hosted Roma, observed a moment of silence in his memory.

His photograph was also displayed on stadium screens. Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and midfielder Mikel Merino, both Spaniards, paid their respects during news conferences ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with Slavia Prague.

The tributes reflected the widespread sadness across European football following the forward’s tragic death.