Atletico Madrid News
Atletico lash out at referee’s decision during Real Madrid clash: “They create such pressure”
Real Madrid’s win over Atletico Madrid once again showed the European Champions’ ability to fight back even from the deepest of troughs and come back on top. The men in white were a goal down with 15 minutes to spare but forced extra time and managed to advance to the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey.
However, the game was not without its own share of controversy. One of the biggest moments came in the 71st minute when Dani Ceballos avoided a red card that would have changed the course of the game. Ironically, Atletico Madrid had Stefan Savic sent off in extra time to help Real Madrid progress.
To give context Ceballos was already on a yellow card for making an unnecessary challenge in the 69th minute of the game. Two minutes later, he appeared to have caught Thomas Lemar near the knee.
Atletico Madrid thus demanded that he get a second yellow and receive his marching orders. Given that the Rojiblancos were already up a goal, it could have changed the course of the game. But the referee did not show a second yellow to the Real Madrid midfielder.
Los Rojiblancos are far from happy with the refereeing at Santiago Bernabeu and have released an official statement via their CEO, Miguel Angel Gil Marin, regarding their displeasure. The statement is as follows:
“With 0-1, in the 71st minute, playing the place for the Copa semifinals in their own stadium, leaving Real Madrid with 10 players is big words.
“Real Madrid is a club with a very strong environment, with many interests around it. They create such pressure that it’s normal to affect the people who must make decisions. They [referees] are aware of what awaits them if they made a mistake.”
Clearly, the accusation from Diego Simeone’s side goes far beyond the events of the derby and makes a contentious general statement about Real Madrid’s influence on matches.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid ‘want to fight’ for the signing of €40m Barcelona midfield target
Atletico Madrid are interested in Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and want to fight for his signing in the summer, according to a report from Javi Gomara of Mundo Deportivo. The 26-year-old is also a transfer target for FC Barcelona and several clubs in the Premier League.
Amrabat burst into the limelight after enjoying a stunning run at the FIFA World Cup 2022, during which he helped Morocco reach the semi-finals. The midfielder was heavily linked with an exit in January, with Barcelona, Atletico and several other clubs linked.
However, a move did not materialise and he remained at Fiorentina. However, with his contract expiring next year, the Moroccan international could be on his way out in the summer, even though the Italian outfit are trying to tie him down with a new contract.
And, as per the report, Atletico Madrid are ready to fight for his signing in the summer. The report states that Amrabat is a player that is very well-liked by the Rojiblancos and would be an important cog in Diego Simeone’s side if they sign him.
Amrabat will be playing at the Civitas Metropolitano tonight, with Atletico’s home ground hosting a friendly between Morocco and Peru. And the Colchoneros dream of making the stadium the 26-year-old’s permanent home from next season.
The report adds that the Moroccan international himself would be ‘delighted’ to join the club. After all, he did speak highly of Simeone and Atleti during the World Cup, when he said:
“He has coached Atletico Madrid for many years. I like his style of play. He has won a lot and I have a lot of respect for him. The players in his team are physically strong and aggressive. I like to play that way.”
Atletico Madrid have been linked with Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos, but hold no interest in him. Instead, they wish to sign a player of Amrabat’s profile and quality. However, the 26-year-old will not come cheap as Fiorentina will demand a €40 million fee for him.
Beyond that, the interest of Barcelona and other clubs in the Premier League would also be a roadblock for the Spanish capital club.
