Just as Real Madrid were gearing up for their all-important clash with Deportivo, a match which could decide this season’s Liga BBVA champions, the club were rocked by the news of the brutal killing of 16 fans in Iraq.
The Merengues faithful, part of a Real Madrid supporters club, sadly lost their lives in a terrorist attack on Thursday night in the unstable Middle-East state, whilst another 20 were left severely injured and in danger of losing their lives.
Marca report that the fans had gathered in a café called Al Furat in the city of Balad, north of the capital Baghdad, when gunman believed to be affiliated with terrorist group ISIS stormed in and opened fire randomly.
ISIS have previously waved their wand of devastation over the beautiful game, as the militant group claimed responsibility for the attacks on Paris and Brussels in the lead up to Euro 2016.
A photo of the scene of the terrorist attack
The 10-time Champions League winners extended a message of condolence to the victims’ families, writing in an official statement: "Real Madrid profoundly lament the terrible attacks in Iraq that ended the lives of 16 members of a Real Madrid supporters club, in addition to the 20 injuries.”
Bitter rivals Barcelona were also quick to express their grief at this atrocious attack, paying their respect to the victims’ families and the club ahead of their trip to Granada on the final day.
"FC Barcelona expresses its sympathy for the victims of the attack in Iraq on the members of a Real Madrid supporters club," the Catalan giants wrote on their official Twitter account.
FC Barcelona expresses its sympathy for
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 13, 2016
the victims of the attack in Iraq on the members of a R. Madrid supporters club
The club from the Spanish capital, who will be in action on Saturday, will wear black armbands at the Estadio Municipal de Riazor in honor of the deceased as a sign of solidarity.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
Deportivo La Coruña 0 - 2 Real Madrid
May 14, 2016 11:00amEstadio Municipal de Riazor (A Coruña (La Coruña))This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
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This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
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