Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid midfielder ruled out of tomorrow’s derby versus Real Madrid
With just a little over 24 hours left before Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid lock horns in La Liga, Diario AS is reporting that the Rojiblancos will be without midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia for the contest.
The contest is a crucial one for Atletico Madrid in the race for the top four as they are already ten points behind second-placed Real Madrid and three below Real Sociedad in third.
Diego Simeone’s side have put together a strong run of results of late, but it will be put to test on Saturday against the reigning champions, who have won each of their last five matches in all competitions.
And, Los Rojiblancos will have to try and stop that run without midfielder Kondogbia, as per the report.
The former Inter Milan and Valencia ace did not participate in training earlier today due to some muscular discomfort. And while the issue is said to be not very serious, he does not have sufficient time to recover in time for the derby at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Kondogbia’s absence is unlikely to come as a major blow for Atleti as Simeone has not been relying on him as much in recent times. Indeed, the 30-year-old did not play a single minute in the Colchoneros’ last three league matches.
But with Rodrigo De Paul also missing in action, Kondogbia could have come in handy for Simeone and Atletico Madrid with his physical attributes and work rate.
Apart from De Paul and Kondogbia, Atleti will also be without former Real Madrid left-back Sergio Reguilon for the derby. However, Alvaro Morata and Memphis Depay trained normally and will be available for the contest at the Bernabeu tomorrow evening.
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.
