Atletico Madrid News
Injury update: Atletico Madrid winger could return in time for Barcelona encounter
Atletico Madrid will face La Liga leaders FC Barcelona on April 23 away at Camp Nou. And, according to MARCA, they may receive a fitness boost in time for the game as Memphis Depay could be back to face his former club.
The Netherlands forward suffered a thigh injury during the international break last month during the game against Gibraltar.
Upon returning to Atletico Madrid, Depay was subjected to further tests following which it was reported that the 29-year-old could be out for a period of two to three weeks.
The former Barcelona ace’s recovery is understood to be on track, but he will be unavailable for Atletico Madrid’s upcoming game against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
But, as per the report, there is every chance that Depay will be back in the reckoning in time for the match against Barcelona on April 23.
In fact, it is claimed that the striker could even become available for the next week’s La Liga encounter versus UD Almeria. But in case he does not recover in time for that clash, Depay’s availability for the Barcelona game is being seen as a given.
The Dutch ace left Barça for Atletico Madrid during the January transfer window, in a deal worth €4 million.
Since joining the Rojiblancos, Depay has played eight matches across all competitions and has scored three goals in the process.
The ex-Manchester United ace has been critical of Barcelona in the recent past, when he said: “I need a certain kind of training to be in an optimal physical state. That didn’t always go well at Barcelona, but it does at Atlético. The way of working suits me perfectly.”
Given that, he will be hoping to prove a point or two when he gets a chance against Barça at Camp Nou later this month.
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.
