Atletico Madrid News
Diego Simeone experimenting with a ‘different lineup’ ahead of Madrid derby
The Madrid Derby is usually a clash bearing consequences in the title race. The rivalry between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid has reached new heights in recent years with both being prime contenders in the league race.
This season, the story is different. Real Madrid sealed the La Liga title with their 4-0 win over Espanyol and are set to play for a spot in the Champions League finals.
On the other hand, Los Rojiblancos are far from their best and risk missing out on Champions League football next season.
Ahead of the big clash next week, Diego Simeone is said to have tried variations in his lineup in training. MARCA have revealed the combination the manager was experimenting with.
Simeone had Jan Oblak in goal, with the centre-back pairing of Stefan Savic and Jose Maria Gimenez guarding the goal. Marcos Llorente and Renan Lodi took charge at right-back and left-back respectively.
In midfield, Geoffrey Kondogbia was given duties as the pivot in the 4-3-3 formation. Joining forces with him in the middle of the park were Rodrigo de Paul and Koke to his right and left, respectively.
Antoine Griezmann was deployed as the left winger, flanking the striker Matheus Cunha. The final player in the lineup was Angel Correa, who was deployed on the right-wing.
The Madrid derby has already begun stealing headlines after Atletico Madrid refused to give Real Madrid a guard of honour on the night. With five days left to go, expect more fire to spew between the two rivals.
Atletico Madrid News
UEFA open investigation against multiple Real Madrid players over celebration vs Atletico
More than two weeks after Real Madrid’s controversial win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16, UEFA has sent quite the shockwave to the defending European champions.
In a recent statement, UEFA has announced they have started an open investigation against a series of Real Madrid players for the way they celebrated after winning against Atletico Madrid, about two weeks back.
What is the investigation about?
As reported by MARCA, the European governing body is specifically looking into the actions of Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Dani Ceballos, and Vinicius Jr.
The controversy stems from Real Madrid’s celebrations after knocking out city rivals Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
The celebrations took place near the section of the stadium occupied by Real Madrid supporters, but some actions by the players have drawn scrutiny.
“A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of indecent conduct by Real Madrid CF players (Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Daniel Ceballos Fernandez and Vinicius Junior) during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 match between Club Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid on 12 March 2025,” UEFA said in an official statement.
Rudiger is being investigated for a gesture in which he placed his hand around his neck, while Mbappe reportedly made an inappropriate gesture by touching his genitals.
Vinicius, on the other hand, was involved in heated interactions with Atletico fans both before and after the match, while Ceballos was seen enthusiastically joining the celebrations.
The celebrations from Real Madrid players drew hostility from Atletico Madrid fans for obvious reasons, with the opposition fans resorting to throwing bottles on the pitch.
Jude Bellingham was even among the ones hit by these throwing objects from Atleti fans while Vinicius pointed to the Real Madrid crest on his shirt, which might have played a role in further fuming tension.
Rodrygo, on the other hand, responded to the hostility from Atleti fans by dancing inside the pitch.
UEFA has appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to review the incidents, although it is very much likely that Real Madrid would appeal against any sanctions placed on the event of any breach.
