Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid eyeing Man United star as an alternative for Barcelona-bound defender
Atletico Madrid were among the clubs involved in the race to sign Inigo Martinez. However, it appears the Athletic Club defender is seemingly on the verge of joining FC Barcelona, who had promised to make a move for the defender at the end of the season.
This has forced Atleti to look elsewhere, as Diego Simeone looks to shore up his options in the defensive department.
According to Fabrizio Romano, as relayed by Mundo Deportivo, one of the options Atleti are looking at is Victor Lindelof. The Manchester United defender has been targeted as a potential alternative for Inigo Martinez.
Formerly of SL Benfica, Lindelof was once one of Man United’s most significant defensive investments. But in recent years, he has fallen behind the likes of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez in the pecking order.
Lindelof’s receding role in the first team has been made evident by the fact that the Swede has featured in only nine Premier League matches this term, only five of which have been starts.
Atletico Madrid, though, are not deterred by Lindelof’s struggles and are eyeing a move for him in the coming summer. With the defender’s contract at Old Trafford expiring in 2024, the club are sensing a market opportunity to sign the player on a cut-price deal.
Following their poor performances in Europe, Atletico are indeed facing financial difficulties, which may cripple their powers in the market. Someone like Lindelof, therefore, could be an ideal cost-effective option for Los Rojiblancos.
However, Atletico Madrid have no shortage of alternatives in the market. In addition to Inigo Martinez and Victor Lindelof, the club have been linked with a move for Caglar Soyuncu of Leicester City, among others. Therefore, it will be interesting to see how things transpire over the coming months.
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.
