Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid interested in West Ham striker after missing out on summer deal
Atletico Madrid are looking at a reshuffle of their attacking department in January. Having already parted ways with Matheus Cunha, the Rojiblancos are likely to bid goodbye to Joao Felix as well.
The Portuguese international scored in Atleti’s 2-0 win over Elche on Thursday night, but is unlikely to remain a Rojiblanco for much longer, having been pushing for an exit for some time.
The likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea are said to be interested in Felix. And his potential exit, coupled with Cunha leaving, will create a void in Diego Simeone’s attacking unit.
Thus, a new centre-forward is expected to arrive at the Civitas Metropolitano next month. Recent reports suggested that Borja Iglesias of Real Betis had emerged as Atletico Madrid’s priority target.
However, the Spaniard is likely to be an expensive option as he has a long-term contract with Los Verdiblancos. Hence, the Colchoneros are also looking at other possible targets in the market.
And according to Antonio Ruiz of COPE, West Ham United striker Gianluca Scamacca is a player that Atletico Madrid are interested in and are closely following.
The Italian striker had been on the La Liga giants’ radars in the summer as well, but a move could not be completed and Sassuolo sold him to West Ham United.
However, he has failed to settle down in London thus far, with the Hammers’ boss David Moyes being unable to coax the best out of the Italian hitman. In 13 Premier League matches, Scamacca has scored just two goals thus far, leading to rumours of an early exit.
Atletico Madrid are said to be keeping close tabs on Scamacca and his situation at West Ham. However, considering the big investment that the Hammers made on his signing in the summer, it is unlikely that they will be letting him leave just after half a season.
So, Los Colchoneros would be better served pushing for Iglesias or Enes Unal, who is also on their radars.
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.
