Tragedy ahead of Champions League blockbuster: Heartbreaking news strikes Dávid Hancko's captain before crucial clash

Pulse Sports Team 16:17 - 13 October 2026

Spanish side Atletico Madrid will be without captain Koke for Tuesday's Champions League league-phase clash against Manchester United. The 34-year-old teammate of Slovak defender Dávid Hancko will miss the encounter following the death of his mother.

Ana Merodio Borja passed away on Tuesday morning, though the club did not disclose the cause of death.

Los Colchoneros confirmed that UEFA has approved a minute of silence before kick-off, and Atletico players will wear black armbands, according to the AP news agency.