Atletico Madrid captain Koke loses mother just hours before Manchester United clash in heartbreaking news for club

Atletico Madrid captain Koke has suffered a devastating family loss just hours before his side faces Manchester United in the Champions League, with the Spanish club confirming that his mother, Ana Merodio Borja, died in Madrid on Tuesday. The news has cast a shadow over the fixture at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, with both clubs paying tribute to the midfielder’s family and arrangements made for a minute’s silence before kick-off.Atletico confirm Koke’s mother has diedAtletico Madrid announced the death of Ana Merodio Borja, mother of first-team captain Koke and under-19 assistant coach Borja Resurrección, without disclosing a cause of death. The news means Koke will miss Tuesday evening’s Champions League fixture against Manchester United, as the club and its supporters come together to support the family.In a statement, Atletico confirmed that UEFA had authorised tributes at both the senior team’s match and the UEFA Youth League fixture involving the clubs’ youth sides. The club’s under-19 team observed a minute’s silence earlier on Tuesday, with players wearing black armbands alongside their opponents.Atletico also confirmed that the flag outside the Metropolitano was flying at half-mast as a mark of respect for Koke’s mother.“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,” the club said.“Our club requested permission from UEFA to observe a minute's silence both during the first team match and the UEFA Youth League game, as well as for the players to wear black armbands.”The statement continued: “Atlético de Madrid would like to express our deepest condolences to all his family and friends, and especially to Koke, captain of the first team, and Borja Resurrección, assistant coach of the Juvenil A team. Rest in peace.”Manchester United offer condolences ahead of kick-offManchester United also issued a statement expressing their sympathy for Koke and his family, while asking supporters travelling to Madrid to join both teams in observing the minute’s silence before the Champions League match.“Manchester United is saddened by the passing of Ana Merodio Borja, beloved mother of Atletico de Madrid captain Koke and U19s assistant coach Borja Resurrección,” the club said.“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.”The tribute comes as United prepare for a challenging away fixture against Atletico, with both teams looking to improve their positions in the Champions League standings. United opened their campaign with a 4-0 victory over Sabah FK, while Atletico suffered a 2-1 defeat against Liverpool.Tuesday’s match at the Metropolitano is scheduled to kick off at 7pm local time, which is 12.30am IST on Wednesday, October 14, for viewers in India.The sporting significance of the fixture remains, but the thoughts of both clubs will be with Koke, his brother Borja and their family following the loss. Atletico’s decision to observe a minute’s silence, wear black armbands and lower the stadium flag provides a collective tribute ahead of a difficult evening for their captain.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.