Atletico Madrid News
Key Atletico Madrid duo absent in training, doubts for Bayer Leverkusen clash
Having won their first UEFA Champions League game of the 2022/23 season in a dramatic fashion, Atletico Madrid will be keen on getting another victory under their belt when they face Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday.
However, Diego Simeone might have to make do with two key players for the clash at the BayArena as Jan Oblak and Jose Maria Gimenez are both doubts for the game, reports Mundo Deportivo.
Both Oblak and Gimenez were unavailable for selection for Atleti when they played Celta Vigo in La Liga on Saturday night. Ivo Grbic and Axel Witsel deputised for them, respectively against the Galicians and put on solid showings.
While there had been hope that the injured duo could recover in time for the trip to Germany, neither Oblak nor Gimenez were spotted in training earlier today, casting doubts over the availability for the clash against the Bundesliga outfit.
Joao Felix also did not train with the rest of the group today due to a knock he picked up late in the game against Celta. However, the Portuguese sensation is expected to be called up for the clash against Leverkusen as his issue is not deemed to be serious.
Meanwhile, Stefan Savic and new signing Sergio Reguilon continue to remain sidelined for Simeone’s side. The former is recovering from a muscular injury while the latter is in rehab after undergoing an operation for a groin issue.
As for Oblak and Gimenez, it will be interesting to see if Simeone decides to take them along for the trip to Germany. And even in the scenario that they fly with the rest of the squad, their involvement will remain a doubt until close to the game.
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.
