Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid centre-forward no longer a target for Juventus – report
Alvaro Morata has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Since moving to Juventus in 2014, Morata has relocated to Real Madrid, Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, and back to Juventus in eight years.
His last stint was at Juve last season, playing 35 games in the league during his loan spell. He contributed with nine goals and seven assists.
And while the Spaniard was second fiddle to Dusan Vlahovic for the centre-forward role, Juve were said to be interested in signing him permanently or on another long-term loan spell.
However, according to SkySports (h/t AtletiUniverse), Juventus are ready to drop their pursuit of the striker.
Morata was the subject of a transfer to Barcelona in the winter, as well, but that transfer fell through due to loan and fee complications, the Catalans decided to pursue Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Arsenal.
It makes sense for Atletico to retain Morata for next season, especially given their goalscoring exploits – or the lack thereof – during the 2021/22 campaign.
Angel Correa was their top scorer with 12 goals, and is still at the club, but Luis Suarez – with 11 goals – has left for Nacional on a free transfer.
Morata contributed with 12 goals during the 2019/20 season – his last at Atletico – and could be a huge boost for Diego Simeone, especially with Antoine Griezmanna and Joao Felix trying their best to return to peak form.
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.
