Atletico Madrid News
Simeone talks Griezmann, Felix, Hermoso, fans after Atletico Madrid 2-1 FC Porto
Atletico Madrid pulled off a nervy win over Porto on Wednesday night. The game featured one of the most dramatic endings of any football game with three goals in extra time deciding the winner.
Porto dominated the 90 minutes, recording 17 shots including seven blocked shots. They created two big chances and seemed to be on course to win. However, a red card to Mehdi Taremi in the 81st minute changed the complexion of the game.
After strikes from Mario Hermoso and Mateus Uribe cancelled each other out, the winning goal eventually came from Antoine Greizmann in the 101st minute and sent Los Rojiblancos atop Group B.
Diego Simeone spoke to the press (h/t Diario AS) after the game about his team’s performance and specific players who impressed him. Here are the snippets from his interaction.
On Porto’s display: “They were better in the match in the middle, won the ball and pressed better. They were better than us in terms of pressure, they didn’t let us do anything because of their intensity and it is not the first time it has happened to us with them.”
On Atletico’s subpar showing: “They worked very well, they didn’t allow us to play, we were not able to.”
On Hermoso’s dramatic goal followed by an equaliser: “Then came the goal, the half-lucky goal that Mario Hermoso hits, it seemed as if we were on our way, but we were not composed, we lost a simple ball, then the penalty that [Jan] Oblak almost pulls in.”
On the winning goal: “It ends with an important goal, a ball from a set-piece, which is something we haven’t managed for a while, glanced and finished. The triumph allows us to correct things, but the match was bad.”
On Griezmann’s limited game time: “We can see the reality and it is that in 30 minutes he is doing very well. We don’t know in 60. Let’s look at the realities.”
On Joao Felix: “He is working very well, especially in the search for what he wants. He looks more mature, he needs a goal. He needs that.”
On fans whistling his decision to remove Felix for Angel Correa: “It doesn’t bother me or surprise me. Joao is important, but so is Correa.”
On celebrating Griezmann’s goal: “Any coach scoring a goal at the last minute would be equally happy.”
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.
