Tragedy overshadows Atlético victory

Atlético Madrid win against Manchester United, but Diego Simeone's team is not in the mood to celebrate after a profound personal tragedy.

Source text: © LAOLA1

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Atlético Madrid secured a 2-0 win against Manchester United at the Estadio Metropolitano on the second matchday of the UEFA Champions League (Match report >>>).

However, after the match, football was not the focus for the "Colchoneros".

A few hours before kickoff, a minute of silence was announced for the Champions League clash. The stadium remembered the late Ana Merodio Borja - the mother of Atlético captain Koke.

"Difficult day for the entire team"

"That was a heavy blow for him and a heavy blow for us, because Koke is our leader and our role model," midfielder Alex Baena said in a post-match interview with "Movistar".

The team was informed on the morning of the match day about the death of Koke's mother and the related absence of their captain.

The news visibly hit the entire team hard. Goalkeeper Jan Oblak described it as a "difficult day for the entire team". He further emphasized: "It is something so sad that you cannot forget it on the pitch."

test — Mitspieler gedachten ihrem Kapitän
Foto: ©IMAGO / ABACAPRESS

Teammates dedicate goals to their captain

Pablo Barrios gave the Madrid side an early lead. During his goal celebration, the Spaniard held up six fingers - as a sign for Koke's shirt number. After Atlético's second goal, Marcos Llorente also held up Koke's jersey.

Afterwards, tears were also seen from coach Diego Simeone. The emotion reflected the Argentine's close bond with his captain.

Oblak concluded by saying: "It is important to win, but today I am not thinking about football, but about Koke and his family."