Atletico Madrid News
Diego Simeone opines on Mbappe to Real Madrid links: “I would love it”
Speaking in an interview with AS, Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has claimed that he would love to see Kylian Mbappe join arch-rivals Real Madrid this summer as it would elevate the quality and level of La Liga.
Mbappe has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid once again this summer and there is a feeling that the operation could speed up over the coming week.
And Simeone insists that the Frenchman’s arrival will happen either this year or next year and will be a big positive for La Liga.
I would love it, it would be extraordinary for La Liga, to ensure it remains among the best. All footballers who come to Spain are a boost,” Simeone said.
“Madrid has no economic problem to afford it. Surely if not this year, the following year we will be competing against him.”
When asked if Mbappe potentially joining Real Madrid will make it more difficult for Atletico to win La Liga, the Argentine manager replied:
“Depending on how you look at it. We’ve won a league against Messi, Iniesta, Alexis, Xavi, Busquets… Ronaldo, Bale, Benzema… It’s football, not names.”
Moving forward, Simeone also went on to praise the recruitment strategy of Los Blancos, highlighting their ability to identify and invest in top young talents.
“Madrid, after years of being more careful with their signings, have now turned to bringing in young players and they always choose well, especially with players like Valverde, Rodrygo, Vinicius who went through the youth academy,” Simeone stated.
“With significant financial resources, they have focused on youngsters with a huge future, they have brought in Bellingham, Mbappe could come… Madrid work very well in these areas.”
As far as Mbappe is concerned, the operation to cost the Frenchman is likely to cost Real Madrid around €230-250 million and it remains to be seen whether it actually goes through now or next year when he becomes a free agent.
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.
