Rest In Peace: Xana Martínez Cullell

Incredibly sad news: Luis Enrique’s 9 year old daughter Xana (pictured here in 2015 with her papi) has lost a 5 month battle with osteosarcoma.

Rest In Peace: Florijana Ismaili

Sad news broke over the weekend that Switzerland international Florijana Ismaili had gone missing during a vacation in Italy. Today Italian officials announced they had recovered her body from Lake Como following a swimming/diving accident.

Rest In Peace: Agustín Herrerín

Sad news today. Agustín Herrerín, the long time stadium delegate for Real Madrid, has passed away at age 84.  Adored by players, staff and fans, he had been involved with the club for over 50 years. Castilla observed a moment of silence before their match today and many players, past and present, took to social media to share their feelings.  The club posted a lovely tribute video as well. I got so misty watching it.  I will miss seeing him pitch side, greeting the players. Rest in peace, Agustín.

Ready For El Derbi & So Much Sad News

Los Blancos had their final training session before tomorrow’s Derbi Madrileño. 

Rest In Peace: Davide Astori

Incredibly sad news: Fiorentina captain and Italy international Davide Astori passed away suddenly today at the age of 31. He is survived by his partner Francesca Fioretti, their 2 year old daughter Vittoria, his parents and many others who loved him.  Our thoughts are with them all.

– Lozil

Updated: Fuerza Barcelona

Yes, we won a trophy last night but it’s clearly not the time to talk about that or celebrate. Right now, all our thoughts are on the tragedy in Barcelona.

Catching Up & Prepping For Betis

Got a bit of catching up to do here. After the Xabi news, I wasn’t much for posting yesterday. Sigh.

Chapecoense’s Emotional Victory

This past weekend Chapecoense (Associação Chapecoense de Futebol) returned to the pitch for the first time since the plane crash on November 28, 2016 which claimed the lives of 43 members of the club (19 players and 24 club members). A total of 71 people died in the crash.

#ForçaChape

We here at HB & HB join with the world football community in shock and mourning for the loss of 71 people – players, staff, crew, journalists – in last night’s horrific crash in Colombia.

Tragedy in the Midst of Our Joy

We’re so disgusted and sad to learn that while watching the Champions League Final yesterday, another Real Madrid supporters group in Iraq was attacked.