Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid have a pre-agreement with 19-year-old La Liga defender – report
According to Javi Miguel of AS, Atletico Madrid already have reached a pre-agreement with Girona defender Arnau Martinez over a transfer in the summer window.
Martinez, 19, has made quite the name for himself in his debut season in La Liga. A former trainee of Barcelona’s fabled La Masia academy, the young right-back left the Catalan giants in 2016. After two years in L’Hospitalet, the full-back moved to Girona, where he made his first-team breakthrough.
Martinez enjoyed a solid season last time out, helping Girona earn promotion to La Liga. And the teenage defender has been a hit in his debut campaign in the Spanish top flight, notching up a return of three goals and two assists from 23 league matches.
Martinez had been linked heavily with a move back to Barcelona in the past, but as per the aforementioned report, the Catalan giants have their sights on Villarreal’s Juan Foyth now. Whereas, the 19-year-old Girona ace has reportedly reached a pre-agreement with Atletico.
The Rojiblancos had held talks with Girona over the possibility of signing Martinez in the past. Reports had even suggested that the Spanish capital club had even tabled an offer for the teenager, who is understood to have a €20 million release clause in his contract.
Atletico Madrid roped in Nahuel Molina in the summer to reinforce the right-back slot, but he has not been nearly consistent enough.
Meanwhile, Matt Doherty, who was signed from Tottenham in January, has hardly played for the Rojiblancos. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, it will not come as a surprise to see the Irishman leave.
It would create a vacancy for a new right-back, and all signs are pointing towards Martinez being the player to fill that void. It remains to be seen whether there is indeed a pre-agreement between Atletico and the teenager and if the move does go through come summer.
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.
