Atletico Madrid News
Joao Felix asked Yannick Carrasco to take the last-minute penalty against Leverkusen
Atletico Madrid’s heartbreaking exit from the UEFA Champions League saw a flabbergasting script no one saw coming.
Moussa Diaby’s opener was cancelled out within 15 minutes by Yannick Carrasco before Callum Hudson-Odoi gave the Germans the lead again. However, Rodrigo de Paul’s strike early in the second half brought Los Rojiblancos back to parity.
The scenario heading into the game was clear. A win for Diego Simeone’s side would keep them alive in the race for the knockouts, but any other result would result in their elimination. That said, the world turned upside down when the Madrid-based side won a late penalty two minutes after the scheduled full-time whistle.
Yannick Carrasco stepped up to take the set piece with the club’s entire UCL chances resting on his shot. However, it was not to be as Lukas Hradecky denied the Belgian’s attempt.
According to reports from Movistar Futbol, Joao Felix approached Carrasco ahead of the penalty last night to ask if he could take the important set piece.
While it is easy to speculate what could have happened if the Portuguese international took the penalty, there is not much merit to it. Moreover, one must remember that Hradecky had a career-best performance the night, making a whopping nine saves, including five from inside the box.
Los Rojiblancos next face Porto in their final fixture of the UCL. Needless to say, the objective will now be to qualify for the UEFA Europa League ahead of Bayer Leverkusen, who currently sit one point behind them.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid ‘want to fight’ for the signing of €40m Barcelona midfield target
Atletico Madrid are interested in Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and want to fight for his signing in the summer, according to a report from Javi Gomara of Mundo Deportivo. The 26-year-old is also a transfer target for FC Barcelona and several clubs in the Premier League.
Amrabat burst into the limelight after enjoying a stunning run at the FIFA World Cup 2022, during which he helped Morocco reach the semi-finals. The midfielder was heavily linked with an exit in January, with Barcelona, Atletico and several other clubs linked.
However, a move did not materialise and he remained at Fiorentina. However, with his contract expiring next year, the Moroccan international could be on his way out in the summer, even though the Italian outfit are trying to tie him down with a new contract.
And, as per the report, Atletico Madrid are ready to fight for his signing in the summer. The report states that Amrabat is a player that is very well-liked by the Rojiblancos and would be an important cog in Diego Simeone’s side if they sign him.
Amrabat will be playing at the Civitas Metropolitano tonight, with Atletico’s home ground hosting a friendly between Morocco and Peru. And the Colchoneros dream of making the stadium the 26-year-old’s permanent home from next season.
The report adds that the Moroccan international himself would be ‘delighted’ to join the club. After all, he did speak highly of Simeone and Atleti during the World Cup, when he said:
“He has coached Atletico Madrid for many years. I like his style of play. He has won a lot and I have a lot of respect for him. The players in his team are physically strong and aggressive. I like to play that way.”
Atletico Madrid have been linked with Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos, but hold no interest in him. Instead, they wish to sign a player of Amrabat’s profile and quality. However, the 26-year-old will not come cheap as Fiorentina will demand a €40 million fee for him.
Beyond that, the interest of Barcelona and other clubs in the Premier League would also be a roadblock for the Spanish capital club.
