Atlético Madrid turned a night of mourning at the Metropolitano into a 2-0 Champions League win over Manchester United, with Pablo Barrios and Ademola Lookman scoring in a tribute to Ana María Merodio, the mother of club captain Koke and Borja, an Atlético youth-team assistant coach.
Flags flew at half-mast, a minute’s silence was observed and Atlético players wore black armbands. United also showed respect before kick-off as the stadium remembered a figure closely connected to both the senior and academy sides.
Quick facts
- Atlético Madrid beat Manchester United 2-0 at the Metropolitano.
- Pablo Barrios opened the scoring and celebrated with a “6” gesture for Koke.
- Ademola Lookman added the second after coming off the bench.
- Manchester United’s Leny Yoro was sent off following a VAR-reviewed incident involving Jonathan David.
- Jonny Cardoso had an Atlético goal ruled out for handball against Marcos Llorente.
Barrios, an academy midfielder, gave Atlético an immediate lead after a move that began under pressure near their own area. Kang-in Lee found Álex Baena, who released Barrios to finish despite a desperate attempt from Jadon Sancho’s replacement at the back, Heaven, to intervene.
The scorer’s celebration was for Koke, Jorge Resurrección, whose absence hung heavily over the occasion. Atlético’s youth side also won on the day, adding another sporting gesture to the family’s difficult week.
United recovered well from the early setback. Michael Carrick’s uneven attacking setup gave Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes scope on the right, while Marcus Rashford held the left flank and Youri Tielemans operated higher up, allowing Carlos Baleba to take a place in midfield.
Bryan Mbeumo had two major chances as United took control. In one, Cristian Romero was beaten too easily before Mbeumo failed to convert; in the other, a poor Atlético exit again exposed Romero, only for Jan Oblak to rescue the home side.
Atlético had dropped too deep, but Barrios helped shift the match back towards United’s half. Alejandro Grimaldo then struck the top corner with a free-kick won by Barrios, although the effort did not alter the scoreline.
Diego Simeone’s side thought they had doubled their advantage shortly before half-time when Cardoso scored from the edge of the area. VAR intervened, however, with Llorente penalised for handball in the build-up.
Barrios remained central after the break, creating a chance for Julián Álvarez, whose volley hit the post. United replied through Fernandes, whose attempted lob drifted narrowly wide, before the match became increasingly shaped by substitutions.
Jonathan David was among Simeone’s changes and quickly altered the contest. The Canada forward forced Yoro into a dismissal after another VAR check, leaving United with 10 men.
David then linked with Grimaldo and fired a shot that goalkeeper Senne Lammens could only deflect into a dangerous area. Lookman, introduced from the bench, reacted first to turn in the loose ball and seal Atlético’s victory.
Fernandes had earlier struck the woodwork as United searched for a route back, but Atlético managed the closing stages, with Robin Le Normand collecting a late booking. The result belonged to Simeone’s substitutes on the pitch, but the night was dedicated above all to Koke, Borja and their mother.
