Champions League
Raphinha sets aside brace to mourn Jesús de Miguel
Barcelona secured a 3‑0 Champions League win over Aston Villa, yet Brazilian forward Raphinha arrived on the pitch visibly affected by the death of Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel, a tragedy that turned the night into a moment of mourning rather than celebration.
Match victory and minute of silence
Barcelona returned to winning form in the Champions League by defeating Aston Villa 3‑0, earning three points and improving their position in the competition. The match was marked by a minute of silence observed by Champions League clubs across Europe in memory of Jesús de Miguel. Although Raphinha scored a brace in the victory, he said his focus remained on the tragic news that had shaken Spanish football.
Jesús de Miguel, aged thirty, died on Tuesday at the Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria in Santa Cruz de Tenerife after being in intensive care since Monday. He had suffered a severe blow during Tenerife’s match against Andorra, which led to his hospitalisation. Despite medical treatment, his death was confirmed on Tuesday, prompting reactions from football figures including members of Barcelona.
Foul triggers Spanish murder squad – Jesús de Miguel shocks the pitch
After the Champions League fixture, Raphinha avoided discussing his two goals, declaring “Hoy no es un buen día para hablar de futbol”. In an interview with Movistar+, he explained that while the win was important, he wanted to send strength to Jesús’s family and dedicate the victory to the fans. He reflected on the impact the news had on the Barcelona squad, noting that any player could face a similar tragedy. He chose to keep his brace and the result secondary to the mourning.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick supported Raphinha’s response, saying the incident had deeply affected the Brazilian and offering condolences to the family, club and supporters. Flick clarified that Raphinha’s behaviour after being substituted was not due to anger but stemmed from the emotional shock. The death of Jesús de Miguel, following the collision in the Tenerife‑Andorra game, sparked solidarity throughout Spanish football, with many participants placing the tragedy above sporting outcomes.