FC Bayern will face Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano on Tuesday evening. Before a Champions League match, the league’s signature anthem is usually played. But not this time.
Before the game, an announcement was made in the stadium stating that the anthem would not be played that evening. There were two reasons for this—and each one is sad enough on its own.
On the one hand, the anthem was omitted to pay final respects to the late Jesus de Miguel and to honor him with the respect he deserves. The Spaniard passed away on Tuesday morning after being struck violently by the opposing goalkeeper during his team Tenerife’s match against FC Andorra.
He required emergency medical treatment right on the field and was immediately taken to the hospital. There, his condition continued to deteriorate until the terrible news of his death was confirmed.
No Champions League anthem in Madrid
In addition, a moment of silence was observed for the victims of last week’s train crash in Spain. Sixty-nine people died after two trains collided. Both trains were en route from Madrid to Seville.
As an immediate response to the train accident, numerous cup matches were already canceled last week.
The cup matches scheduled for today, Tuesday, have also been canceled due to this morning’s news of the death. “Following confirmation of the death of Jesús de Miguel, a player for CD Tenerife, and as a sign of respect and solidarity, the Spanish Football Federation has ordered the cancellation of the first- and third-round Copa del Rey matches scheduled for this Tuesday, November 3,” according to a statement from the federation.
Before Bayern’s match in Madrid, the victims of the train accident and Jesús de Miguel were once again honored, and a minute of silence was observed.