Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid eyeing Liverpool forward as a replacement for Joao Felix – report
Atletico Madrid loaned out Joao Felix to Chelsea during the January transfer window. Even though the Portuguese international has just played a handful of games for the Premier League, they are interested in signing him permanently at the end of the season.
The Blues have the financial might to meet Atletico Madrid’s valuation of the 23-year-old forward and should they do make a play to sign Felix permanently, Los Rojiblancos have already lined up a possible replacement for their loanee.
Indeed, according to the Mirror (h/t AS). Atletico Madrid have their sights set on Liverpool superstar Roberto Firmino as a potential candidate to replace Felix and bolster their frontline in the summer transfer window.
Firmino has been with Liverpool since 2015 when he arrived from TSG Hoffenheim. The Brazilian international flourished at Anfield under Jurgen Klopp and played a key role in the success that they have achieved under the German tactician.
However, in recent times, Firmino’s importance at Anfield has been on the wane, and his contract is also set to expire at the end of the season.
Despite there being suggestions and reports that a new deal could be signed imminently, an agreement is yet to be reached, leading to speculations over his future at the club.
And, Atletico Madrid are understood to be attentive to the situation and have already started contacts with the agents of the Brazilian forward. But, they are set to face competition from the likes of Inter Milan and Juventus in pursuit of Firmino.
A decision on his future is unlikely to be made right away either, so Atletico Madrid might have to wait for a while to learn whether Firmino decides to renew with Liverpool or opts to leave as a free agent.
Along with the Brazilian, Los Colchoneros are also looking at another soon-to-be free agent forward in Marcus Thuram.
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.
