SPANISH football paid an emotional tribute to Jesus de Miguel as LaLiga returned for the first time since the striker’s tragic death.
Tenerife star De Miguel on Tuesday following an during his side’s LaLiga 2 match against Andorra the previous evening.
Spanish football was plunged into a state of mourning following De Miguel’s death.
Both Tenerife and Andorra’s scheduled matches this weekend were postponed, but the rest of the slate has gone ahead.
Earlier today, Malaga hosted Racing Santander at La Rosaleda.
Ahead of the contest, both sides made sure to pay their respects to De Miguel.
Players from each team walked onto the pitch wearing T-shirts with De Miguel’s No9 on the back, as well as the message “Siempre en nuestro recuerdo” – meaning “Always in our memory” in English.
This poignant message was also broadcast on the big screens, as the packed crowd rose to applaud the sentiment.
The match referee carried a wreath of flowers onto the pitch before laying it down onto the centre circle as players lined up for a period of silence.
On TV coverage of the game, a QR code was broadcast directing viewers to a crowdfunding site made to support De Miguel’s family.
The match was stopped in the ninth minute as players, officials and supporters took part in a minute’s applause for De Miguel.
“Always in our memory” again appeared on TV screens, as well as the QR code.
De Miguel’s death was deemed to be down to “accidental chest trauma” by a post-mortem.
The late forward had collided with Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono during the closing stages of Monday’s match.
Owono was sent off for his challenge, before the match was abandoned.
The goalkeeper, 25, was by what happened.
He subsequently released a statement, which read: “These are being the most difficult days of my life.
“I am struggling to find the words, and it is very hard for me to process anything that has happened.
“I feel immense pain over the loss of Jesus. I am thinking of him, his family, and all the people who loved him.
“I know there will be many matters to address, and I will face whatever comes with complete respect.
“But right now, honestly, I cannot think of anything other than Jesus and the grief we are experiencing.
“Rest in peace, Jesus.”
The Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) has pledged to support Owono through counselling.
The Athletic report that a source close to a team-mate of the goalkeeper said: “Owono is destroyed, locked in his house and disconnected from the world.
“Right now, he doesn’t even know who he is.”
