Atlético de Madrid will play Manchester United in the Champions League on Tuesday night without captain Koke, following the death of his mother, Ana Merodio Borja, earlier in the day in Madrid.
The Riyadh Air Metropolitano will observe a minute’s silence before kick-off in her memory, while Atlético’s players will wear black armbands for the European fixture. The club’s red-and-white flag is also flying at half-mast at the stadium.
Tribute agreed for both European matches
UEFA has approved Atlético’s request to stage the tribute not only before the first team’s Champions League meeting with Manchester United, but also at the club’s UEFA Youth League match.
Ana Merodio Borja was the mother of both Koke, Atlético’s first-team captain, and Borja Resurrección, the assistant coach of the club’s Juvenil A side.
In a statement, Atlético said the minute’s silence would be held before the Manchester United match in remembrance of their captain’s mother. The club added that European football’s governing body had authorised the planned tribute, including the black armbands.
Club offers condolences
Atlético expressed its deepest sympathy to Ana Merodio Borja’s family and friends, with particular support for Koke and Borja Resurrección.
Koke’s absence leaves Atlético without their captain for a significant Champions League night at the Metropolitano, as the club and its supporters prepare to honour his family before the match begins.
