Atletico Madrid have announced that Koke, team captain, may not participate in tonight's match against Manchester United due to a family bereavement. The news comes after the death of Koke's mother, Doña Ana Merodio Borja, the previous night. Atletico decided to dedicate a minute of silence before the start of the match, accompanied by applause in tribute to the player and his brother, Borja Resurrección, who works on the Juvenil A technical staff and is also deceased.
Atletico's official statement, published on the club's website, reads: "Tonight, before the start of the match against Manchester United, a minute's silence will be observed in memory of Doña Ana Merodio Borja, mother of our captain, Koke, and Borja Resurrección, the second coach of Juvenil A, who died this morning in Madrid. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace." Atletico also stated that, should Koke be unable to play, his absence would add to the already extensive list of injuries and unavailability the team is facing.
Cholo Simeone, the Atletico coach, expressed his willingness to focus on Julian Alvarez in attack, but left open the possibility of not using Koke on the pitch. The absence of Koke, who has already played 750 games for the Colchoneros, would represent a hard blow for the team, which is preparing for a crucial match against Manchester United. Despite the mourning, Atletico maintained its commitment on the pitch, demonstrating solidarity and respect for the captain's family. The match will take place as scheduled, with the Madrid team ready to respect the minute's silence and continue their campaign with team strength.