Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid battling Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, AC Milan for 23-year-old playmaker
A fresh report coming out of La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Mundo Deportivo) has claimed that Atletico Madrid are keeping close tabs on the situation of a certain Nicolo Zaniolo, Roma’s 23-year-old attacking midfielder, as his current deal with the Italian side expires in 2024.
Atletico Madrid are bearing the consequences of a failed sporting project. To begin with, the salary cost of the squad has gone beyond its limit and the failure to continue in the UEFA Champions League, as well as the Europa League, has made the team extremely vulnerable in the market.
For that particular reason, the Rojiblancos will approach the next few transfer windows in a cautious state. This means the management will only target those names who are either available on a free transfer or might come in cheap.
This is when Zaniolo comes into the picture. Given the fact that the departure of Joao Felix is almost certain, the team from the Spanish capital city will want someone to fill the void. And since the possibility of Zaniolo signing a new contract with Roma are low, Atletico can actually think of making an official approach.
The report says that Zaniolo is a player that Andrea Berta, Atletico’s sports director, knows very well and the man in charge is of the idea that the Italian would be the perfect player to replace the exit-bound Felix.
As of today, Roma do not really want to part ways with the playmaker and for that, they have established contact with the player’s agent. But given the interest he has generated, the Italian international might as well look to change his environment.
In that regard, Atletico Madrid are certainly not the only team monitoring his situation, with Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and AC Milan also said to be keeping tabs.
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.
