Atletico Madrid News
Manchester United rejected Atletico Madrid’s approach for defender – Romano
The story of Joao Felix’s renewal and subsequent move to Chelsea has taken up the headline spaces across Madrid. Needless to say, the news has overshadowed the efforts of Atletico Madrid’s board on other fronts.
The centre-back position is one that the club see to be in need of urgent reinforcement, especially given the team’s underwhelming defensive numbers so far. Caglar Soyuncu has emerged as the primary target for Atletico Madrid, but he was not the only name on their list.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Los Rojiblancos also asked for Victor Lindelof’s services in recent weeks and saw the Manchester United star as a possible signing. However, Erik ten Hag’s side refused to sanction his departure, thus breaking the talks down.
The Swedish international faces stiff competition at Old Trafford with Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, and Harry Maguire all competing for two spots. Of the club’s five games since the restart of club football, Lindelof has played part in just two.
In his six Premier League appearances so far, he averages close to eight defensive actions per game but is yet to oversee a clean sheet.
Given his predicament at Old Trafford, Atletico Madrid approached Manchester United to ask about the possibility of a move in January. However, their enquiries were quickly dismissed by the Premier League giants.
With the 28-year-old’s name quickly taken off the table, Atletico Madrid took their search to Leicester with Soyuncu being identified as a key target.
The Turkish International will, in all likelihood, be a Rojiblanco next summer when his contract with the Foxes expires, but talks are on to discuss a possible move in January itself.
With one centre-back arriving at Civitas Metropolitano, Diego Simeone is prepared to let go of a defender to balance the books. Thus, Felipe is best placed to depart the club with Wolverhampton Wanderers in discussions over the Brazilian’s transfer.
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.
