Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid, Arsenal lodge enquiry for 27-year-old Borussia Dortmund midfielder
According to reports from Florian Plettenberg, Atletico Madrid and Arsenal have enquired about the situation and availability of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud.
The 27-year-old will leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season as a free agent after the German outfit decided against renewing his contract.
The midfielder has barely played for the men in yellow and black this season owing to surgery on his shoulder that ruled him out of action for close to six months, and the Bundesliga side no longer see him as part of their plans.
Dahoud began his professional career with Borussia Monchengladbach and was promoted to the first team in 2013. After spending a few years with his home club, he made the move to Borussia Dortmund for €12 million having just a year left on his contract.
In his six-year spell at Signal Iduna park, the 27-year-old has made 138 appearances, scoring five goals and providing 16 assists in the process. However, the current season has been difficult for him given his surgical procedure.
Dahoud returned from his long period on the sidelines in Dortmund’s game against SC Freiburg in February and has only participated in three of the team’s eight games since then.
Given that he will be available on a free transfer in June, there are close to ten clubs interested in the midfielder’s signature, including Arsenal and Atletico Madrid.
Atletico Madrid is undoubtedly one of the most tempting options on the German international’s table. However, Los Rojiblancos will face stiff competition from Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal and Serie A leaders Napoli who are also maintaining an eye on his situation.
AC Milan, Roma, Leicester, Real Betis, Sevilla, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray are just a few of the other clubs hoping to secure the midfielder’s services for next season. Clearly, the race for Dahoud is gearing up to be a headline battle in June.
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.
