Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid eyeing summer move for Chelsea left-back – report
Reinildo Mandava was a largely unknown figure in European football when he signed for Atletico Madrid in February. However, he has quickly taken a starting spot in defence in Diego Simeone’s side, and has become a fan-favourite.
The manager has found a way to accommodate both him and Renan Lodi in recent months. His decision to play the Brazilian as a left wing-back has reaped rewards, and both players are now indispensable to Los Rojiblancos‘ setup.
Atletico Madrid are still looking for a reinforcement at left-back now. According to reports from Rodrigo Faez of ESPN, the Spanish side eye Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso as a transfer target.
The left-back has another year on his contract and is open to returning to a Barcelona move. The negotiations with Chelsea, however, is expected to be the big hurdle in the process.
The player is not new to Spanish football, having played for Real Madrid Castilla until 2009. In 2010, he made the move to Bolton in England. After a few loan spell, he eventually moved to Chelsea in 2016/17.
Alonso’s importance in the team has seen a fall since Thomas Tuchel’s arrival, prompting him to look for other options. Ben Chilwell is the first choice for the German manager, and understandably so. However, an ACL injury to him paved the path for Alonso to return to the XI.
Chelsea have been banned from offering new contracts to players and transfer activities following Roman Abramovich’s sanctioning by the UK Government. Given that Alonso only has a year left on his contract, selling him could be a wise decision.
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.
