Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid to appeal against star’s red card vs Real Madrid
Atletico Madrid missed out on three points yesterday when they conceded a late equaliser from Alvaro Rodriguez, during the derby against Real Madrid.
One of the turning points of the game was Angel Correa’s red card in the 64th minute. The forward was deemed to have elbowed Antonio Rudiger off the ball. It convinced the referee Gil Manzano to award the attacker a straight red.
In the aftermath of the event, Correa is likely to face a two-match suspension. This is in line with La Liga’s rules and regulations, as any player that commits such an action without playing the ball gets a two-match ban.
However, according to AS, Atletico Madrid are set to challenge the decision and lodge an appeal ahead of the Competition Committee’s meeting next Wednesday. They believe the two-game sanction is too harsh for Correa.
Atleti are hoping that the appeal can help convince the Competition Committee to challenge the suspension and potentially reduce the ban on Correa, whose absence in the coming matches could be consequential for Los Rojiblancos.
Despite scoring only five goals in the league this season, Correa has been a crucial component in the Atletico Madrid frontline so far. His versatility, coupled with his aggression and direct nature of play are in line with Diego Simeone’s tactical philosophy.
But as things stand, Correa looks all set to miss Atletico Madrid’s coming matches against Sevilla and Girona. It will certainly be a blow for Simeone as his team looks to compete with Real Sociedad and Real Betis for the top four places.
As for the suspension itself, whether or not Atleti’s appeal bears any fruit remains to be seen.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid among clubs weighing up a summer move for €20 million Barcelona defender
Having successfully raided FC Barcelona for the signing of Memphis Depay during the January transfer window, Atletico Madrid could look to bring in another player from Spotify Camp Nou come summer.
Indeed, according to SPORT, Atletico are among clubs who are interested in signing Barcelona ace Sergino Dest, who is currently away on loan at AC Milan.
Dest has been out of favour at Barça since Xavi Hernandez arrived at the club back in November 2021. The USMNT right-back was sent out on loan to Milan last summer so that he can play regularly.
The Rossoneri have the option of signing the ex-Ajax man permanently for €20 million, but are unlikely to take it up as the right-back has largely underwhelmed during his time in Italy, playing just 14 games in all competitions.
But, that has seemingly not deterred clubs in La Liga, including Atletico Madrid, who are reportedly willing to take a punt on Dest in the summer.
As things stand, Atletico have Nahuel Molina as their primary right-back, but the Argentine has not been consistent enough in his debut season at the club.
Matt Doherty arrived on a free transfer from Tottenham in January but has only played 12 minutes so far, indicating where he stands in Diego Simeone’s scheme. So, a new right-back might not entirely be ruled out at the Civitas Metropolitano come summer.
Dest, though, is also attracting interest from Sevilla, Valencia and Villarreal, while an unnamed MLS club also want the right-back.
Barcelona, for their part, wish to recoup the €20 million they spent on him almost three years ago, which could become a roadblock for Atletico Madrid if they do indeed pursue the right-back with greater intent.
As things stand, there is just initial interest and there is nothing concrete from Atletico or any clubs. Only time will tell if that changes once Dest returns from his loan spell.
