Atletico Madrid News
Manchester United end interest in Atletico Madrid striker due to €35 million demands
According to Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic, Manchester United have ended their interest in Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata as they deem the Spaniard too expensive.
Manchester United are desperately scouring the market for a new centre-forward this summer. To that end, they have been linked with a host of names including three forwards from Atletico Madrid.
Indeed, the Red Devils had their on Matheus Cunha, who flat out rejected their approach.
Following that, Manchester United reportedly lodged a massive €130 million bid for Joao Felix, which was swiftly turned down by the Rojiblancos.
At the same time, the Premier League giants were also exploring the chances of signing Morata, who is back at the Civitas Metropolitano after spending two years on loan at Juventus, after the Bianconeri did not trigger the option to make his transfer permanent.
There were doubts about his future at Atletico and United tried to test the waters with an approach for the striker. However, as per the latest reports, the Premier League club see the former Real Madrid and Chelsea striker as ‘expensive’.
Previous reports from The Athletic claimed that Atletico valued Morata around €35 million, but it seems like Erik ten Hag’s side see that valuation as excessive and have decided to move on to other targets.
Meanwhile, Morata made a positive start to the season at Atletico Madrid, scoring a brace in the season opener against Getafe, although he failed to find the back of the net against Villarreal last time out.
Signed from Chelsea back in January 2019, Morata has made 63 appearances for Atletico Madrid, in which he has a tally of 24 goals and six assists. Both he and manager Diego Simeone will be hoping that the 29-year-old significantly boosts that tally this season.
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.
