Chapecoense were about to play one of the biggest games in their history when they travelled to Rionegro to face Atletico Nacional, but their aeroplane tragically crashed, leading to at least 76 deaths. Among the players who didn't travel was Marcelo Boeck, who stayed at home for a curious reason.
It is as if it was fate. Chapecoense's regular substitute goalkeeper asked club directors if he could stay at home and not travel to Colombia, despite the importance of the match for the relatively modest side, in order to celebrate his birthday!
The player's agent, Antonio Araujo, revealed the news. The goalkeeper, who turned 32 on Monday, is currently on loan from Sporting Lisbon.
"The club gave him permission and he didn't travel. It was great relief in a deeply sad moment because of the tragedy that has happened and it has hit the world of football," the agent told Portuguese press.
"When he found out what had happened, Marcelo went with his family to Chapecoense's stadium where he met players who hadn't travelled, I was able to speak to him and he is deeply sad because of everything that has happened," he explained.
The players who didn't travel, family members of the group and directors met at the Arena Conda stadium to follow the news, minute by minute.