Real Madrid have issued an apology to Elche and their striker Andre da Silva after mistakenly featuring his photograph in an emotional tribute video honouring those who died during the year.
The Spanish giants intended to pay respect to Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who tragically lost their lives in a road accident in July. However, the individual shown in the photograph beside Jota in Real's video obituary was not his brother Andre Silva, but Elche player Andre da Silva.
in a statement on X, Real Madrid wrote: "Real Madrid C.F. apologises to Elche C.F. and its player Andre da Silva for having mistakenly included his image in the obituary of an institutional video instead of that of Andre Silva, the brother of Diogo Jota, the Liverpool player. We regret this incident."
Andre da Silva, 30, signed for Elche after leaving RB Leipzig during the summer transfer window. The Portuguese striker has netted four goals in 11 La Liga matches and is anticipated to feature in the starting line-up against Real on Sunday evening.
Andre Silva died alongside Jota after both were involved in a car crash earlier this year. The pair were travelling to the port city of Santander to board a ferry returning to the UK when their Lamborghini careered off the road and caught fire near Zamora, Spain, after suffering a tyre blowout.
Real currently sit second in the La Liga standings following an impressive start to the campaign, winning 10 and drawing one of their opening 12 matches. Xabi Alonso's men can reclaim top spot from Barcelona with victory at the Estadio Martinez Valero against Elche.
Prior to their fixture at Liverpool earlier this month, Real paid an emotional tribute to Jota. Alonso, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Emilio Butragueno laid flowers beside the memorial honouring the striker.
In a deeply moving message, former Liverpool full-back Alexander-Arnold wrote: "My mate Diogo, you are so missed but still so loved. Yours and Andre's memory will always live on.
"I smile every time I think about you and will always remember the great times we shared. Miss you mate, every day. Love Trent and family. Forever 20. YNWA."
Delivering his own tribute, Alonso said: "On my own behalf and on behalf of the club, I'd like to send our heartfelt condolences to the families of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva.
"We send them a warm embrace from here. It was extremely sad news that deeply affected us all. We started the day with a feeling that really makes you pause and reflect, and we spoke about it.
"So, on behalf of the club, we send them strength, encouragement and all our support to his daughter, his children and all the family."