Football returned, yet focus was elusive. Sevilla‑Alavés kicked off a match steeped in remembrance of Jesús de Miguel, as Sánchez‑Pizjuán delivered a moving tribute. Players and fans shared a week of sorrow, observing a minute’s silence before kickoff and a prolonged ovation in the ninth minute for Jesús’s shirt number. Could such a tribute ease the lingering pain?
The players stepped onto the pitch wearing shirts in his memory, greeted by a roar from the stands. Official Luis Bestard laid a bouquet at the spot on the Heliodoro where Jesús was struck. Afterwards, both squads gathered for the silence. Unified in the same shirts, they created a powerful image of solidarity amid deep sorrow.
Emotions ran high on the field and the crowd held a respectful hush. Kochorashvili, who shared a locker with Jesús, watched the homage with a solemn, deeply moved expression. When the silence ended, Sánchez‑Pizjuán offered another lengthy ovation to Jesús de Miguel.
For many supporters, the gesture echoed the memory of Antonio Puerta, a name forever etched in Sánchez‑Pizjuán’s history. This time the stadium rallied to shelter Jesús’s family and teammates. In my view, the collective mourning underscored the club’s enduring compassion.
Luis García Plaza voiced the sentiment before kickoff. “We’re all devastated; it’s a shock for football. We must play on and dedicate it. This will be a beautiful tribute on such a magnificent Sevilla FC ground,” he said. The stadium’s response matched his words.
During the match, the ninth minute sparked another wave of emotion. Play halted as a video of Jesús was shown while fans offered a prolonged ovation. Some spectators couldn’t hold back tears, the homage stretching beyond a minute amid applause and affection.
His number also appeared on the broadcast scoreboard, a 9 marked with a black ribbon. Jesús’s memory thus lingered beyond the ceremony, kicking off a week where his name will feature on every Primera and Segunda División field. Will his legacy continue to inspire clubs across Spain?