Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid kit numbers for 2022-23 released
A new season represents a new beginning in many ways. Not only does it provide a chance for players to make a fresh start but also brings with it an annual chance to change their kit numbers.
Earlier today, Atletico Madrid announced the official jersey numbers for the coming season (h/t Atletico Universe).
Needless to say, there are pleasant surprises on the awaited list. To begin with, players who returned from loan spells have chosen the numbers they wish to don for the coming season.
Alvaro Morata, who completed his two-year loan at Juventus, opted to choose number 19. However, the Spaniard’s future is still in the air and it seems unlikely that he will be a Rojiblanco at the end of the transfer window.
Meanwhile, Saul Niguez picked the number 17. It does not come as a surprise as the midfielder donned the same kit in the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons. Coming off a year-long loan spell at Chelsea, he will look to break his way into Diego Simeone’s starting XI again.
Matheus Cunha, who wore the #19 last season has now changed his number and taken the prestigious #9. This is a big hint as to his role in the upcoming season for the Brazilian could well be the default striker for Los Rojiblancos.
New signing Samuel Lino has been handed jersey #16, while Axel Witsel will have #20 on his back. As it stands, only kit #25 is vacant at Atletico Madrid and could well be Nahuel Molina’s when his signing is announced.
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.
