Man Utd and Atletico Madrid Honor Koke’s Late Mother Ahead of Champions League Match
Manchester United and Atletico Madrid paid their respects to Ana Merodio Borja, mother of Atletico captain Koke, who passed away on Tuesday morning. A minute of silence was held before their Champions League match at the Metropolitano Stadium, with players from both teams wearing black armbands. Koke was absent from the game, which saw Atletico secure a 2-0 win over Michael Carrick’s side.
Shared Mourning in European Football
European football came together on Tuesday to honor the memory of Ana Merodio Borja, who also was the mother of Juvenil A assistant coach Borja Resurreccion. Her death in Madrid led to Koke withdrawing from the match against Manchester United. Tributes extended across youth and senior matches at the stadium. Both the UEFA Youth League fixture, won 3-0 by Atletico, and the main Champions League game began with a minute’s silence. The red and white flag flew at half-mast as a mark of respect.
Manchester United encouraged their traveling fans to participate in the moment of silence alongside Atletico supporters, showing solidarity with the Resurreccion family.
Official Statements from the Clubs
Before kickoff, Manchester United released a statement 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 approval for the tributes, saying: "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." They added that black armbands would be worn during both the first team and UEFA Youth League matches. The club also noted the red and white flag flying at half-mast at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium.
The statement concluded with: "Atlético de Madrid would like to express our deepest condolences to all his family and friends, especially to Koke, captain of the first team, and Borja Resurrección, assistant coach of the Juvenil A team. Rest in peace."
Challenging Night for Manchester United
On the field, it was a tough evening for Manchester United. They lost 2-0 to Atletico Madrid despite being reduced to ten men after Leny Yoro’s red card. Pablo Barrios scored within the first minute to put Atletico ahead, with Ademola Lookman adding a second goal in the second half.
This defeat extended United’s winless run to five matches across all competitions and intensified pressure on manager Michael Carrick. Their Premier League campaign has been difficult, with only six points taken from six games—the worst start in 40 years.
Upcoming Matches
- La Liga: 17 Oct 2026, 15:00 - Atletico Madrid vs. Leeds United
- Premier League: 18 Oct 2026, 16:00 - Manchester United vs. (opponent not listed)
