Man Utd Champions League clash mourns Atletico captain Koke after mother’s death

Atletico Madrid captain Jorge Resurrección, known as Koke, will miss his side's Champions League tie with Manchester United after his mother died early on Tuesday, a loss that casts a sombre tone over the fixture.

Family tragedy forces withdrawal

Atletico confirmed that Ana Merodio Borja died in Madrid on Tuesday morning, prompting Koke to pull out of the match. The club announced the decision ahead of the game at the Metropolitano Stadium.

Koke’s brother, Borja Resurrección, who serves as the assistant coach of Atletico’s under‑19 team, also lost his mother, adding a personal dimension to the club’s grief.

Tributes and observances

Atletico will wear black armbands and a minute’s silence will be observed before kick‑off. Manchester United posted a condolence message on social media, referring to the deceased as the "beloved mother of Atletico de Madrid captain Koke and U19s assistant coach Borja Resurrección" and urging supporters to join the silence.

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The Red Devils, who have endured a difficult start to their Premier League campaign, will hope to secure a victory despite the emotional backdrop.

Additional context

Earlier, Atletico’s under‑19 side faced United in a UEFA Youth League match, winning 3‑0 after a minute’s silence was held for the same family loss.

Scott Trotter, a Sports writer for Sport, reported the news at 18:07 on 13 Oct 2026, noting the club’s plans to honour the deceased with a View Image of the black armbands on the players.

United’s recent form includes a 4‑0 win over Sabah in their first European match of the season and a 2‑1 pre‑season victory over the Spanish side, though they are currently without Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo for the upcoming clash.