Atletico Madrid Holds Tribute Before Champions League Clash

Atletico Madrid and Manchester United observed a minute of silence before their Champions League match at the Estadio Metropolitano after Atletico captain Koke's mother Ana Merodio Borja died, with both teams wearing black armbands as a tribute.

According to Manchester United, the clubs arranged the tribute before Tuesday's UEFA Champions League fixture and players from both sides wore black armbands to honor Ana Merodio Borja.

"Manchester United and Atletico de Madrid will observe a minute's silence ahead of Tuesday's UEFA Champions League game at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium." said Manchester United.

"Players from the two sides will also wear black armbands to mark the sad passing of Ana Merodio Borja, the beloved mother of Atletico de Madrid captain Koke and Under-19s assistant coach Borja Resurrección." said Manchester United.

Manchester United also addressed the bereaved family following the announcement of the pre-match tribute. The club included condolences in its statement about the loss.

"We offer our condolences to the family at this difficult time." said Manchester United.

Atletico Madrid confirmed that the request for the tribute was submitted to UEFA after the club announced the death of Koke's mother. The team also said Koke would not be part of the squad for the match.

"Tonight, before the start of our Champions League match against Manchester United, a minute's silence will be observed in memory of Mrs Ana Merodio Borja, the mother of our captain, Koke, who passed away this morning in Madrid." said Atletico Madrid.

The Spanish club said UEFA approved the request for both the first-team match and the UEFA Youth League fixture, where players also wore black armbands.

"Our club requested authorisation from UEFA to observe a minute's silence at both the first-team match and the UEFA Youth League fixture, and for the players to wear black armbands. European football's governing body has granted its authorisation to pay this heartfelt tribute in memory of the mother of our captain and our Juvenil A coach." said Atletico Madrid.

Atletico Madrid also placed the red-and-white flag above the Riyadh Air Metropolitano at half-mast as an additional mark of respect before the Champions League game.

"Furthermore, as a mark of respect for her memory, the red-and-white flag at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano is flying at half-mast. Our Juvenil team observed a respectful minute's silence whilst wearing black armbands, as did our opponents." said Atletico Madrid.