Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid president opens exit door for Felix: “Can stay for another season”
Many saw Joao Felix’s move to Chelsea as his liberation from a system that did not suit his profile. After all, his spell at Atletico Madrid had been dismal until that point and the team’s defensive focus made it difficult for him to showcase his skill in the final third.
The player thus joined Chelsea on a six-month loan move in January this year. His spell in England is now nearing an end, and it is safe to say that it left a mixed impression in the minds of many.
Felix has not made an impact of the magnitude many expected in London. Yet, it is clear that he is one of the best players in a struggling Chelsea side.
Earlier this week, Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo was quizzed about what the future held for Felix. After all, the Portuguese international is contracted with Los Rojiblancos until 2027.
“We don’t know what’s going to happen with Joao Felix, for now he’s at Chelsea. When he finishes playing at Chelsea, he can renew, he can stay for one more season, or not. But don’t worry, he will continue playing,” Cerezo told MARCA, keeping all doors open for the prodigy.
Last month, reports from England stated that Chelsea were indeed interested in extending Felix’s contract by a further 12 months. While this would not bring in any money into Atleti’s coffers, it would mean that Chelsea take over Felix’s salary for one more year.
Another option the London-based side consider is a player swap to bring down Atletico’s asking price on Felix. The club are willing to include Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Marc Cucurella in return for a reduced transfer fee to make Felix’s move permanent.
In 13 Premier League matches so far this season, the youngster has found the back of the net three times. Further, he averages 0.5 key passes per game and has created just one big chance.
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.
