Alan Ruschel, Jakson Follmann and Neto played for the first time after their plane crash last November in a tribute match against Barcelona on Monday. 71 people, including 19 Chapecoense players and staff had died in the crash.
Chapecoense crash survivor Alan Ruschel received a standing ovation
One of the survivors, Alan Ruschel, displayed excellent sportsmanship in the opening 35 minutes of the game. As he was leaving the field after getting subbed, the crowd stood up for a stadium wide standing ovation.
Ruschel expressed his gratitude by making an emotional gesture. Before walking off the field, he knelt down and pointed to the sky.
Follmann and Neto were also present on the field but only for the kick off.
Barcelona FC announces the renewal of Messi’s contract till 2021
Barcelona beats Chapecoense 5-0
The Catalan giants claimed the Joan Gamper Trophy beating Chapecoense with 5 goals. Barcelona players Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, Gerad Deulofeu and Denis Suarez scored a goal each for the spectacular win.
Deulofeu scored the first goal at the sixth minute and Busquets scored the second one not five minutes later. Thirty minutes in, Messi added a close range goal before teammate Suarez scored the fourth goal.
Denis Suarez scored the victory goal in the 74th minute. This was Barcelona’s first game post Neymar transfer.