Spanish second-division club CD Tenerife is facing a critical situation regarding professional player Jesús de Miguel following a severe incident during a match against FC Andorra. The 30-year-old striker suffered apparent head injuries after a violent collision with opposing goalkeeper Jesús Owono, causing him to curl up in pain on the pitch. Emergency medical personnel were forced to perform resuscitation on De Miguel while transporting him to the hospital.
Initially, CD Tenerife stated that De Miguel's condition was serious but stable, noting he had sustained severe injuries to his head and chest area. However, the club updated its statement on Monday morning to report a negative development: "The medical condition of Jesús de Miguel has worsened neurologically." The team indicated that further information would be provided in the coming hours.
The incident occurred during stoppage time in the 7th minute of added time while De Miguel was involved in a counter-attack just behind the halfway line. Owono made contact with the striker's upper body and head, an action deemed excessively hard by referee Manuel Perez, who immediately issued a red card to the goalkeeper. Players from both teams rushed to assist De Miguel, visibly shaken by the scene; reports suggest some professionals were in tears. The match was subsequently abandoned with the score tied at 2-2.
The incident has sent shockwaves through Spanish football, prompting immediate responses from rival clubs. FC Andorra expressed deep regret and sympathy, sending wishes for strength and a speedy recovery to De Miguel, his family, and CD Tenerife. Other major Spanish clubs also joined in offering support, with Real Madrid stating on the Platform X that they stand fully behind the player during this difficult time.
Sources: Der Spiegel.