Atletico Madrid News
Official: Atletico Madrid starting lineup to face Real Madrid | Copa del Rey
Atletico Madrid are set to host Real Madrid in the Round of 16 of the Copa del Rey at the Civitas Metropolitano in a little while.
With kickoff only a few minutes away, Diego Simeone has revealed the starting lineup that he will be setting out to tackle Carlo Ancelotti and his men.
Atletico have been set up in their usual 3-5-2 formation in front of goalkeeper Jan Oblak, who will be aiming to thwart Real Madrid this time after shipping in five last week.
One of the changes comes in defence where Axel Witsel gets the nod ahead of Stefan Savic, with Jose Maria Gimenez and Mario Hermoso making up the rest of the rearguard.
Marcos Llorente starts as the right-sided wing-back while the opposite wing is occupied by Samuel Lino, who has become close to an untouchable in the side this term.
Captain Koke, Rodrigo De Paul, and Saul Niguez form the midfield trifecta that will be tasked with stopping their Real Madrid counterparts.
Meanwhile, in attack, former Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata pairs up with ex-Barcelona superstar Antoine Griezmann.
👥 Estos son los 𝟭𝟭 𝗷𝘂𝗴𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀 que nos representarán a todos de inicio esta noche pic.twitter.com/dht93yMEx4
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) January 18, 2024
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.
