Atletico Madrid News
Exit-linked left-back set to continue at Atletico Madrid next season
Throughout the summer transfer window, the future of Renan Lodi at Atletico Madrid has been unclear. While one could make a strong use case for his presence at the Wanda Metropolitano, an equally strong argument could be made favouring his departure.
Gustavo Hofman of ESPN via AS reveals that the player’s entourage met with the club’s administration yesterday. In the meeting that ensued, it was clarified that Diego Simeone continues to trust the player and will count on him for the upcoming season.
This puts to bed all the rumours suggestive of Lodi’s departure. Newcastle United and Juventus were said to be interested in the left-back earlier in the window but will now have to scout alternative targets.
The Brazilian was an integral part of Simeone’s set-up in the first half of last season, but his importance began to dwindle after the arrival of Reinildo in January.
With Lodi’s position as a left-back under direct threat, the manager opted to utilise him as a wingback for the remainder of last season. Yet, it now seems like Yannick Carrasco and Molina are preferred by the manager in that position.
Heading into a new season, Simeone may look to utilise Lodi’s services in rotation with Reinildo at left-back. Yet, that is all speculation and it remains to be seen what the Argentine coach has in his mind.
Last season, the 24-year-old made 29 league appearances for Los Rojiblancos but started only 13 of them. In his 1189 minutes, he scored two goals and provided two assists for the men in red-and-white.
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.
