Atletico Madrid News
“They surprised us” – Rodrygo speaks after MOTM performance vs Atletico Madrid
Rodrygo was the star performer for Real Madrid as they secured a narrow 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the UCL Round of 16 encounter.
The Brazilian international scored an early opener to give Real Madrid a crucial lead and was overall a live wire throughout ninety minutes.
Rodrygo was even named as Man of the Match for his superb performance against Atletico Madrid on the night.
What Rodrygo said after Atletico win
Speaking to the media after the game, Rodrygo admitted that Atletico Madrid surprised them by having a lot more possession than they were hoping for.
“Atlético is always difficult, but today they surprised us a little. Normally we attack all the time and they defend, but today they had more of the ball and we are not used to that and we had to defend,” he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
“In the second half we came out well, we had Brahim’s goal and we are very happy,” added the Brazilian, who has the knack for producing brilliant performances in Champions League knockout matches.
Rodrygo went on to talk about his early goal, which included some good interplay with Federico Valverde.
“It was a nice play with Valverde , he understood very well my movement of attacking the back. I dribble inside and hit with my left foot. If I do it in training it is to do it in matches,” he said.
It must be noted that Valverde started the game despite some grave concerns over his fitness, but the Uruguayan international ended up producing a stellar shift in the right-back position.
Finally, Rodrygo admitted that the second leg tie against Atletico Madrid will be yet another difficult tie for the club, echoing the thoughts on coach Carlo Ancelotti.
“The matches at that stadium are difficult, but if we are focused and do things well we can make it through,” he concluded.
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.
