Why is there a minute’s silence in Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United?

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COMMENTSManchester United travel to Atletico Madrid tonight but their Champions League encounter comes on an emotional evening for the La Liga outfit.

The Red Devils are hoping to return to winning ways after a stuttering start to life under permanent head coach Michael Carrick, who has overseen one win, three draws and two defeats so far in the Premier League.

A 4-0 victory over minnows Sabah cemented their return to Europe’s top table for the first time in three years, but now their oppposition has gone up a fair few levels as they make the trip to the Estadio Metropolitano.

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Atleti are second in the Spanish top division, with four wins, one draw and a defeat in their opening six matches.

They were beaten 2-1 by Liverpool on matchday one of the league phase, but they will be hoping to utilise their home advantage to take the scalp of another Premier League outfit.

There will be a minute’s silence held before kick-off in the Spanish capital this evening after Atleti midfielder Koke’s mother died.

The La Liga side confirmed the news on their club website on Tuesday, indicating that they had submitted a request to UEFA about a minute’s silence and black armbands for this evening’s fixture.

It remains to be seen whether Koke, the Atletico captain, will play tonight, but Atletico revealed that the flag above the Estadio Metropolitano would be positioned at half-mast as another mark of respect.