Atlético Madrid’s Champions League night at the Metropolitano was marked by grief as the club paid tribute to Ana María Merodio, the mother of first-team captain Koke and of Borja, assistant coach of Atlético’s youth side.
Flags flew at half-mast, a minute’s silence was observed and Atlético’s players wore black armbands before the European fixtures. United also showed respectful conduct during an evening shaped by the loss felt across the club.
Both Atlético teams in action — the senior side and the youth team — recorded victories, giving the occasion a sporting outcome that carried added meaning for the Resurrección family.
Barrios dedicates goal to Koke
Pablo Barrios, an Atlético academy midfielder, provided the most personal tribute on the pitch. After scoring, he celebrated by making the number six with his hands, honouring Koke, whose shirt number has become one of the symbols of the club.
The gesture was a salute to a teammate and senior figure Barrios regards as an influence both on and off the field, with the midfielder’s goal ensuring Atlético’s European win was also a moment of remembrance for their captain.
