Atletico Madrid News
Chelsea target will have a place at Atletico Madrid next season, insists club president
Joao Felix was one of many players to join Chelsea during the January transfer window, with the forward signing a short-term loan deal with the Premier League giants.
His spell at Stamford Bridge, though, has been far from perfect. With two goals in 11 competitive matches, the forward has struggled to maintain his form during the second half of the campaign.
Chelsea were said to be interested in signing Felix permanently in the summer.
However, recent reports have claimed that there are some apprehensions over a move due to his current form and high valuation.
In light of his struggles, Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has offered an update on the player’s future, suggesting that the Portuguese international is always welcome at Wanda Metropolitano.
“What’s next for João? He will have a place in the team if he comes back here, for sure,” he said (h/t Fabrizio Romano).
Prior to Felix’s move to Chelsea, the former SL Benfica starlet was showcasing good form. He was involved in seven goals in 14 league matches, becoming one of Diego Simeone’s most trusted attacking players.
Although Felix is always welcome at Atleti, president Cerezo did leave the door open for a potential exit, adding, “We don’t know what will happen. In football, you can’t take anything for granted.”
There is no doubt that Atletico Madrid are bracing themselves for a difficult summer ahead. Following their elimination from the Champions League group stage, the club are in desperate need of fresh revenue, which could only be achieved through player sales.
Yannick Carrasco has been one of the players linked with a move away from Wanda Metropolitano, with Barcelona reportedly keen on his services.
It would not come as a surprise to see Joao Felix leave permanently, even though Cerezo insists that the forward will have a place in the team should he return.
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.
