Atletico Madrid News
Joao Felix expresses desire to continue at Chelsea: “Loved these four-five months”
Chelsea have endured a tumultuous season in 2022/23. Barring their relatively deep run in the UEFA Champions League that ended in a defeat to Real Madrid at the quarter-final stages, the London-based side have had little to hold onto.
Frank Lampard’s men sit in 12th place on the Premier League table with two games to go. Considering that their final games of the season are against teams in the top four, their situation is grave and they are far from European football.
With a dysfunctional team around him and a stand-in manager on the sidelines, Atletico Madrid loanee Joao Felix has done relatively well since his loan move.
The 23-year-old made the move to London from Madrid in January 2023 with the hope of rediscovering his form in a new system and league.
He has participated in 14 Premier League games since then and has found the back of the net three times. Further, he averages 0.5 key passes per game and has created one big chance.
His spell at Chelsea ends in June, and Felix will be forced to return to the Civitas Metrolpolitano upon its conclusion.
Earlier this week, the Portuguese international was asked about his future and where he saw himself playing next season. As revealed by The Secret Scout, he said:
“I don’t know yet on my future, but I loved these four-five months. I would really like to be here.”
Felix seemingly has three options on his table, two of which would see him continue in England.
For starters, he could continue to don the Chelsea jersey with a simple extension of his loan deal and stay for the team’s new season with a new manager. Else, a move to another top club in the Premier League is also not ruled out.
The third option, which is less likely, is a direct return to Atletico Madrid. Diego Simeone’s side offer Felix Champions League football but given how things were before his exit, it is unlikely that the Portuguese international would prefer to return to Atleti again.
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.
