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The Ecuador national team paid tribute to late striker Christian ‘Chuco’ Benitez during their friendly against Spain.
In the match between Spain and Ecuador, the referee stopped the game in the 11th minute and the stadium announcer read a memorial message, as players from both sides stood and applauded respectfully. The crowd inside Guayaquil’s Estadio Monumental Isidro Romero rose to their feet and chanted “Chucho, Chucho” together.
Benitez was admitted to a hospital in Doha, Qatar on July 29, 2013 after complaining of strong pain in his abdomen. A few hours later, Benítez went into respiratory failure. He later died from complications leading to cardiac arrest at the age of 27.
He has played for Mexican clubs Santos Laguna and club America. He moved to Premier league side Birmigham City on loan from Laguna. He scored 24 goals in 58 games for Ecuador.
Before the game the Ecuador players wore shirts featuring an image of Benitez, and they played in jerseys with a black ribbon sewn onto the sleeves. Fans also held up a huge replica of the former No. 11’s shirt in the stands.
Spain won the match 2-0, with Alvaro Negredo breaking the deadlock shortly after the tribute when he deftly flicked a Santi Cazorla cross into the net from close range.
