Real Madrid may have been delighted with striker Alvaro Morata’s last-gasp winner in the first match of the UEFA Champions League Group stage as they beat Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, tragedy struck as a Los Blancos’ fan died while celebrating the goal.
The incident took place in a bar on Spain’s southeastern Costa Blanca city of Alicante where a Real Madrid fan collapsed to the ground while celebrating the winner. According to Costacomunicaciones, the tragic incident occurred in San Vicente del Raspeig in the Alicante region in a bar named “El bon gust”. It is reported that the victim suffered a heart attack.
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An eyewitness from the bar said that the fan “stood up to celebrate and suddenly collapsed.” The local police and an ambulance were called on the spot immediately but were unable to save the victim’s life as his state had deteriorated. The bar owner has shut down the eatery for the time being and was not available to make a comment.
A slow start for Madrid as they look to defend their Champions League crown
The incident took place as Real Madrid started their defence of their 11th European crown as they had won the UEFA Champions League last season. Los Blancos did not start off well as they conceded the first goal at their home ground as they went behind in the 47th minute to Sporting’s Bruno Cesar who took advantage of Sergio Ramos’ inability to clear the ball as he shot past Kiko Casilla.
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The second half saw Madrid fight back and only had a real chance at goal when Cristiano Ronaldo struck through his free-kick late in the 89th minute. The match turned out to be a nail-biter for the Real Madrid fans as they finally scored the winner in the 94th minute of the game where Alvaro Morata scored a header off a James Rodriguez cross, past the Sporting goalkeeper Rui Patricio.
The win puts Real Madrid in second spot in their Group F as Borussia Dortmund struck six goals past a Legia Warszawa side in their opening game, topping the group on goal difference.
