Seville stands still to remember Jesús de Miguel before Sevilla-Alavés

The first match of matchday 12 in Spain's top flight began with a very different kind of noise: a long, heartfelt ovation for Jesús de Miguel. The Tenerife striker died on the pitch during his side's Segunda División game against Andorra.

Sevilla against Alavés at the Sánchez Pizjuán opened a weekend in which Spanish football stopped to remember him.

What happened?

The round of fixtures went ahead, even though the AFE (Spain's players' union) had asked for the First and Second Division matchdays not to be played. LaLiga and the Spanish football federation did agree a tribute protocol, and it was followed to the letter in Seville.

The applause began as soon as the stadium announcement mentioned the tribute. The mood was one of grief, not celebration.

How the tribute unfolded

The usual order of events changed. Sevilla's anthem played ten minutes before kick-off, with no players on the pitch yet.

Then both teams came out mixed together, wearing shirts with Jesús de Miguel's name on them. Referee Luis Bestard walked out with them carrying a bouquet of flowers.

The minute of silence was so complete that, according to the match report, you could hear the flags of the Gol Norte fans flapping in the Nervión district. At minute nine, play was stopped and a video showed moments from the forward's career. The Sevilla fans answered with another thunderous ovation.

What's next?

The tribute runs across the whole matchday, from 6 to 9 November, and involves LaLiga, Liga F and the federation, along with clubs and players. Neither Tenerife nor Andorra play this weekend.

Outside the stadiums, players have been giving practical support. Hércules striker Fran Sol launched a crowdfunding campaign for De Miguel's family. Footballers including Bartra, Morata and Baena have already donated.