Atletico Madrid News
Real Madrid duo will undergo tests tomorrow to determine availability vs Atletico
As Real Madrid gear up for a crucial derby against Atletico Madrid on Saturday, manager Carlo Ancelotti is sweating over the fitness of two of his players in David Alaba and Rodrygo Goes.
Alaba and Rodrygo picked up injuries during the Merengues’ UEFA Champions League clash against Liverpool on Tuesday night and are deemed doubts for the derby at this point.
And, according to MARCA, the Real Madrid duo will undergo tests tomorrow based on which their availability for the derby against Atletico Madrid will be determined.
Alaba suffered a strain in his right hamstring against Liverpool and had to be taken off just 27 minutes into the contest at Anfield, with Nacho Fernandez replacing him.
While the club have not confirmed the Austrian’s injury, as things stand, it seems unlikely that he will be ready in time for the clash against Diego Simeone’s side as per the report.
Alaba had only recently returned from an injury that had sidelined him for most of January. He had played 90 minutes in each of the Merengues’ previous four games prior to the Liverpool clash. This latest setback will come as a blow for the player and Ancelotti as well.
Meanwhile, Rodrygo left the field with less than ten minutes left against Liverpool due to an overload in the left gluteus. And, as per the report, the Brazilian will undergo MRI scans tomorrow to see whether there is a minor tear or if it is just an overload.
Depending on that, the 22-year-old’s availability for the game against Atletico Madrid will be decided upon.
So, it remains to be seen whether Alaba and Rodrygo could be declared fit to face the Colchoneros in La Liga on Saturday evening.
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.
