Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterA minute's silence will be observed ahead of kick-off in Manchester Uniteds UEFA Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid tonight.It follows the passing of Ana Merodio Borja, the mother of Atletico captain Koke and academy coach Borja Resurreccion.Atletico confirmed the news in an official statement on Tuesday, revealing that their skipper's mother had passed away in Madrid earlier that morning. Both sides and supporters inside the ground will unite before the referee's whistle to pay their respects.Atletico and Man United observe minute's silence for player's motherKoke is one of the Spanish club's defining figures of the modern era. An academy graduate who joined Los Colchoneros at eight years old, the midfielder holds Atletico's all-time appearance record with over 600 senior matches to his name, captaining Diego Simeones side through a decorated era that includes two LaLiga titles, two Europa League triumphs, and two Champions League final appearances.The family's connection to the club runs deep, with Koke's brother, Borja, also working within the setup as assistant coach for Atletico's 'Juvenil A' academy squad. You may like Why is there a minute's silence before Champions League games this week? How to watch Manchester United vs Atletico Madrid: Live stream details How to watch Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid: Free streams & TV details Securing permission for a pre-match tribute at such short notice is a rare and tightly controlled process but Atletico have been granted special dispensation.UEFA enforces strict competition regulations governing matchday protocols, where television broadcast windows, player walkouts, and the competition anthem are closely coordinated.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Participating clubs are strictly forbidden from unilaterally staging a moment of silence or wearing black armbands without formal authorisation from UEFA.Atletico are understood to have submitted an urgent, emergency request to the appointed UEFA Match Delegate and competition directors for the minute's silence request to be granted. Manchester United offered their immediate backing and cooperation, allowing UEFA to allow for the alteration to the pre-match scheduling.Man United kick off in Madrid at 8pm this evening. The game is being shown live on Amazon Prime Video.TOPICSKokeManchester UnitedAtltico MadridChampions LeagueJoe DonnohueSocial Links NavigationSenior Digital WriterJoe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller.
