A 30-year-old soccer player has died a day after colliding with an opponent during a Spanish second-division match, his club said on Tuesday.
Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel died after suffering a cardiac arrest following a collision during a match, CD Tenerife said.
"Racked with pain, with a lump in our throats and unable to believe that this is true, from CD Tenerife we communicate the tragic passing of Jesus de Miguel Alameda," the club said.
"There are no words of comfort; there is absolutely nothing that can alleviate this feeling overflowing with sadness."
De Miguel was challenging for the ball during a home game on Monday when he was struck in the chest by Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono during the final minutes at Estadio Heliodoro Rodríguez López.
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De Miguel was taken to a hospital and the match, tied 2-2, was suspended in the 108th minute.
He lay motionless as players from both teams desperately signalled for medical assistance. Owono was shown a straight red card.
Medical staff treated the player on the pitch for more than five minutes before he was taken to hospital by ambulance.
Tenerife said in a statement that De Miguel died at 8am (local time) on Tuesday. The club, located on Spain's Canary Islands, said it was "heartbroken".
De Miguel, a Madrid native, made his professional debut in 2015 with Leganés B and has since played for a number of lower-divisions clubs in Spain. He joined Tenerife last year.
Football clubs across Spain, including Barcelona and Real Madrid, have led tributes following the news of the death.
"Our thoughts and support are with his family, friends and loved ones during these difficult times," Barcelona said in a statement.
Real Madrid also expressed their condolences, stating: "Real Madrid wishes to express its condolences and affection to his family, his teammates, his club, and all his loved ones."
Andorra, which is owned by former Barcelona star Gerard Pique, also offered its condolences.
"We wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Jesús de Miguel, to all his colleagues and friends, and to CD Tenerife. May he rest in peace," Andorra said in a statement.
The Spanish soccer federation postponed two Copa del Rey matches and one Copa de la Reina match to be held later on Tuesday.
Life-threatening injuries from collisions in soccer are extremely rare.
Last year in Spain, a 19-year-old goalkeeper died from head injuries suffered during a collision in a fifth-division match. Colindres goalkeeper Raúl Ramírez had two cardiorespiratory arrests, one on the field and then in the ambulance while being transported to a hospital. He was declared brain dead two days later.
In 2001, Ukrainian goalkeeper Serhiy Perkhun was playing for CSKA Moscow when he died from head injuries received in a collision during a match.
