Andorra defender Lautaro Spatz has come to the defense of goalkeeper Jesus Owono after a tragic collision during a Spanish second division match resulted in the death of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel.
The devastating incident occurred during a 2-2 draw between Tenerife and Andorra, seven minutes into stoppage time. Owono rushed out toward the center circle to clear a long ball and collided with De Miguel. The 30 year old striker was left motionless on the pitch and received emergency medical treatment before being transported to the hospital by ambulance, where he later passed away. Owono was issued a red card, and the match was abandoned shortly after.
Teammates and Federation Support Owono
Addressing the heartbreak on social media, Spatz expressed his deep condolences to De Miguel’s family while emphasizing that Owono is struggling emotionally with the outcome.
“Those of us who know him know the kind of person he is, how much he is suffering at this moment and that he would never intentionally hurt anyone,” Spatz said. He added that while unfortunate accidents happen in football, no one could have anticipated such a devastating tragedy.
The Equatoguinean Football Federation also issued a statement in support of the 25 year old goalkeeper, who has represented Equatorial Guinea 47 times internationally. The federation noted that Owono is experiencing a period of profound sorrow and grief. Owono has since deactivated his Instagram account in the wake of the tragedy.
Police Investigation and Tributes
Spanish police have initiated a routine investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter. Under Spanish law, a judicial inquiry is automatically launched whenever a death is classified as non-natural.
De Miguel, a father of one who signed a three year contract with Tenerife in the summer of 2025, has been widely remembered across the football community. European matches throughout the week will observe a minute of silence in his memory.
Tenerife has declared six official days of mourning and suspended all club operations. The club plans to open its home venue, Estadio Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez, on Saturday evening to give supporters an opportunity to pay their final respects. Club representatives and players will also attend De Miguel’s funeral in Navahermosa, Toledo, as his family requests privacy during this painful period.