Atletico Madrid News
Barcelona considering swapping misfiring forward for Atletico Madrid winger
Atletico Madrid’s signing of Memphis Depay from FC Barcelona involved a nominal fee of €3 million. The real cost, however, was hidden in the crypts of the contract.
As part of their bid to sign the Dutch phenom, Atletico Madrid came to a transfer agreement with Barça for Yannick Carrasco. The Belgian is indeed still a Rojiblanco and could don the same colours next season as well. However, Barcelona have the option to sign him for just €15 million come June.
The Catalans, however, are reluctant to shell out that figure and see it to be overkill. Given the Colchoneros’ need to sell players, Barcelona are trying hard to bring down the €15 million price tag.
According to reports from Achraf Ben Ayad, Barcelona are even considering involving Ferran Torres as part of an exchange deal with Atletico Madrid to facilitate the Belgian winger’s arrival.
Barcelona signed Torres from Manchester City for a fee of €55 million in January 2022. However, the Spaniard has struggled to live up to the expectations so far and is merely a bench player under Xavi Hernandez.
The 23-year-old has started only 12 of the Blaugranas’ 30 league games this season and made 26 appearances. In that duration, he has scored four goals and provided one assist.
Carrasco, meanwhile, has three goals and two assists to show in his 28 league appearances this season in addition to 1.1 key passes per game.
Atletico Madrid have held an interest in signing Torres for a while now. And if any party were to win through the potential swap involving the Spaniard and Carrasco, it would be Diego Simeone’s side. After all, the Spaniard is the younger, and more dynamic of the two.
Considering the players’ profiles and transfer values, it would not be surprising if the Catalans demanded a fee in addition to Carrasco for Torres’ signing. The coming weeks could shed more light on the plans at Spotify Camp Nou.
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.
