Man Utd and Atletico Madrid Pay Tribute to Koke’s Mother Before Champions League Match
Before their Champions League encounter at the Metropolitano Stadium, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid showed respect for Ana Merodio Borja, mother of Atletico captain Koke, who passed away on Tuesday morning. A minute of silence took place before kickoff, with players wearing black armbands as a mark of respect. Koke missed the match, which Atletico won 2-0 against Michael Carrick’s team.
Tributes Across All Levels of Football
European football paused in mourning following the death of Ana Merodio Borja, also mother to Juvenil A assistant coach Borja Resurreccion. The tragedy occurred on the morning of the fixture in Madrid, leading to Koke withdrawing from the game against Manchester United.
Both youth and senior matches at the Metropolitano featured tributes. A minute’s silence was observed before the UEFA Youth League game—won 3-0 by Atletico—and the main Champions League match. Black armbands were worn, and the stadium’s red and white flag flew at half-mast.
Manchester United encouraged their traveling fans to join in the moment of silence alongside home supporters to honor the Resurreccion family.
Clubs Issue Condolence Statements
United released a message via social media expressing sympathy: “Manchester United is saddened by the passing of Ana Merodio Borja, beloved mother of Atletico de Madrid captain Koke and U19s assistant coach Borja Resurreccion. We offer our condolences to the family at this difficult time and invite supporters to join the two teams in a minute’s silence ahead of kick-off tonight.”
Atletico Madrid confirmed UEFA’s approval of the tributes in an official statement: “Tonight, before the start of our Champions League match against Manchester United, a minute’s silence will be observed in memory of Ana Merodio Borja, mother of our captain, Koke, who passed away this morning in Madrid. Our club requested permission from UEFA to observe a minute’s silence during both the first team and UEFA Youth League matches, as well as for players to wear black armbands.”
The club added, “As a sign of respect, the red and white flag at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano flies at half-mast. Atlético de Madrid expresses deepest condolences to all family and friends, especially to Koke and Borja Resurrección. Rest in peace.”
A Tough Night for Manchester United
The match itself was challenging for Manchester United. Playing with 10 men, they lost 2-0 at the Metropolitano Stadium. Pablo Barrios scored within the first minute, and Ademola Lookman added a second goal in the second half. The situation worsened when Leny Yoro received a red card.
This defeat marked the fifth consecutive match without a win for the Red Devils across all competitions, deepening the struggles of their season.
Pressure Mounts on Carrick
The loss increases pressure on manager Michael Carrick, as Manchester United have had their worst start in the top flight for four decades, earning just six points in six Premier League games. Despite earlier European success and a preseason win against Atletico, the current slump poses a serious challenge for both the manager and the squad.
Upcoming Fixtures
- LaLiga: 17 Oct 2026, 15:00 – Atletico Madrid vs. Leeds United
- Premier League: 18 Oct 2026, 16:00 – Manchester United match
