Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid label attacking duo ‘untouchable’ amidst exit rumours
Atletico Madrid have made it clear that the likes of Joao Felix and Angel Correa are simply untouchable amidst the constant exit rumours, especially regarding the former.
Spanish news outlet MARCA says the club has full confidence in the attacking duo as they remain a key part of the club’s budding project. On top of that, despite struggling to achieve full potential this season, the two are also dearly loved by the faithful.
MARCA describes Felix as one of the greatest bets in the history of the club. After all, the club paid as much as €126 million for the youngster when he switched alliance from Benfica to Madrid.
Three seasons on, and although he has scored 30 goals up until now, he is yet to fulfil the reputation he himself built when playing for Benfica. And as one can suspect, rumours of potential exit have been doing rounds since January.
It’s not too long ago that Barcelona president Joan Laporta admitted his team did try to rope in the Portugal forward. The deal was proposed back when Antoine Griezmann made his much-awaited return to Atletico in August 2021.
They still remain interested, though. Reports suggest that Barcelona Laporta is a huge fan of the player and will do his best to bring him in.
Atletico’s reluctance, however, forced Barcelona to settle for a simple loan deal instead.
Injury halting his progress
While there is absolutely no denying the talent Felix possesses, the injury issues he has faced, especially in the ongoing season are doing no good for everyone involved. This season alone, he has missed matches due to an ankle fracture, a muscle injury and COVID-19.
Recently, he confirmed that he will miss the remainder of the 2021-22 season through a hamstring injury that he picked during a 2-1 win over Espanyol.
One man’s pain is another man’s pleasure
It’s not to say that Felix’s injury is a blessing in disguise, but this certainly opens the door for Angel Correa to get a constant run-in in the starting XI.
The versatile forward, who has scored 12 goals across all competitions this season, is without a goal contribution in each of his last seven games.
Despite this, however, he has a place in Atletico’s plan for the future, especially since the fact that Luis Suarez will depart at the end of the campaign.
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.
