Marciniak, From the Derby to Germany-Italy After Controversy

Polish referee Szymon Marciniak, the protagonist of the controversial penalty annulment of Julián Álvarez in the Champions League derby against Real Madrid, has been appointed by UEFA to officiate the match between Germany and Italy in the Nations League.

This decision comes after Atlético de Madrid requested explanations from UEFA for the controversial action in the second leg, which ended with the elimination of the Rojiblancos in the penalty shootout.

Atlético considered that the annulment of the penalty, which would have meant 2-2 in the shootout, was incorrect. Álvarez slipped when taking the shot and, although he scored, the VAR intervened to annul the goal.

UEFA defended its decision based on IFAB rule 14.1, arguing that there was an unintentional double touch by the player. Despite the controversy generated by this event, Marciniak will continue his refereeing work.

In the Nations League match, he will be accompanied by his compatriot Pawel Pskit in the VAR and Tomasz Kwiatkowski as assistant, the same one who acted as VAR in the derby between Atlético and Real Madrid. Prior to this appointment, Marciniak had already officiated a Polish league match between Gornik Zabrze and Motor Lubin, where he also generated controversy by awarding a penalty to the away team which, after being saved by the goalkeeper, he ordered to be retaken after the VAR review for invasion of the area. In the replay, the goalkeeper saved the ball again.

read the original article

Atlético's Future is Forged in Alcalá!

Great news for the Rojiblancos’ youth academy! CUC Villalba, our third team and seedbed of future stars, will play its home games at Atlético de Madrid’s facilities in Alcalá de Henares. This decision, confirmed by the club, responds to the search for the best conditions for the development of our young talents.

The decision was made after the club requested this change due to the state of the playing field. The next home game, on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at 12:30, will be an excellent opportunity to support our youth players and see the future of Atleti up close.

We encourage you to join the team in this new stage! In addition, it has been announced that next season CUC Villalba will be renamed Atlético de Madrid C, fully integrating into the club’s structure. This step further consolidates Atlético’s commitment to its youth academy and ensures a bright future for the Rojiblancos. Aúpa Atleti!

read the original article

Arbitral Controversy: Even Madrid Surprised by the Penalty?

The recent elimination of Atlético de Madrid in the Champions League against Real Madrid continues to generate controversy. The annulment of Julián Álvarez’s penalty goal, due to an alleged double touch after a slip, has raised blisters, and apparently, not only among Colchoneros fans.

According to sources close to the matter, even Real Madrid players were surprised by referee Szymon Marciniak’s decision! Apparently, several footballers from the White club, in private conversations with Atleti players after the match, confessed their astonishment at the annulment.

They found it an extreme measure, uncommon in elite football. Although some Real Madrid players protested the action to the referee at the time, others privately acknowledged the oddity of the situation.

This gesture, although not publicly acknowledged by Real Madrid, contrasts with the discourse of arbitral victimhood that is sometimes perceived from the capital.

The good relationship between players from both teams, teammates in national teams such as France (Griezmann, Tchouameni, Camavinga) and Uruguay (Giménez, Valverde), would have facilitated these sincere conversations.

From a legal point of view, the annulment of Julián Álvarez’s goal seems questionable. According to interpretations, IFAB rule 14 does not prohibit the double touch itself, but rather playing the ball again after putting it into play, which did not happen in the player’s action.

It is said that Atlético de Madrid could have challenged the penalty shootout, with a high probability of success. However, the Rojiblanca board chose not to escalate the situation, accepting the defeat despite the controversy.

read the original article

Gomis: End of the Road at Atlético?

Antonio Gomis, Atlético de Madrid’s third goalkeeper for the past two seasons, may be living his last days as a Colchonero player. Although Simeone values having him in the squad, the lack of playing time is a reality.

His opportunities were limited to international breaks, where he strengthened the reserve team. This season he has played three games with Atlético de Madrid B, while last season he played six.

However, in this last break, Gomis stayed working with the first team, missing the opportunity to play with the reserve team in a historic match at the Metropolitano. This decision may be related to the goalkeeper’s rejection of the renewal offer presented by the club in December.

Gomis already knows what it’s like to play with the first team. In the 22-23 season, he played a few minutes against Villarreal due to an injury to Grbic, who in turn was replacing Oblak. Previously, he debuted with the first team as a field player in a Jesús Gil y Gil Memorial against Numancia, showing his versatility.

Now, with several Second Division teams interested in signing him, Gomis’s future seems far from Atlético. Changes are coming in the Rojiblanca goal and Gomis may be looking for new horizons where he can have more prominence.

read the original article

Atleti B Conquers the Metropolitano

Atleti B is preparing to shine at the Metropolitano! The Rojiblancos’ subsidiary had the opportunity to train at the iconic stadium this Friday, anticipating the exciting match on Saturday at 6 PM against Betis Deportivo, corresponding to matchday 29 of group 2 of Primera RFEF.

The team, currently in a ‘play-off’ position in fifth place, took the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the dimensions and the field’s grass, a significant change from their usual training ground.

Fernando Torres, at the helm of the team, will face some key absences, including Iturbe (with the Spanish U-21 team), Jano and Omar Janneh (called up by the U-19, in addition to Janneh’s suspension). Mollejo continues his recovery.

However, there is good news: Borja Garcés and Javi Serrano have overcome their discomfort and will be ready to give their all on the field. Betis Deportivo, tenth in the table and only two points behind Atleti B, promises to be a challenging rival. The Metropolitano will be dressed in red and white to support our young talents!

read the original article

News from the National Team! Le Normand, with Discomfort

Attention, Rojiblancos fans! Our Le Normand finished the match against the Netherlands with discomfort in his ankle, after a hard tackle that cost the Dutch player a red card.

Although the Atlético de Madrid central defender finished the match, he looked limping, and his evolution in the coming days will be key to determining if he will be available for the crucial return match.

Le Normand’s grit and commitment are undeniable, and we hope he can recover in time to continue defending the colors of the national team and, of course, those of Atleti. The news has caused some concern, but we trust in the physical and mental strength of our player.

We will be attentive to the news, providing all our support so that he returns to 100% as soon as possible. Cheer up, Robin! From the Metropolitano we send you all the strength for a speedy recovery. Aúpa Atleti!

read the original article

Barrios: Fine-Tuning for Colchonero Takeoff

Pablo Barrios, a gem from the Rojiblanco youth academy, is receiving special attention from Atlético de Madrid’s coaching staff. This week, the midfielder has been working apart from the main group under the supervision of Juan Ángel Piñeiro, one of Luis Piñedo’s assistants.

This individualized program focuses on load management and preventing potential muscle problems, especially important after a demanding start to the season for Barrios, who joined earlier due to his participation in the Olympic Games.

The goal is for Barrios to reach the decisive stage of the season in optimal physical condition. The specific work includes control exercises, passes, shots, and changes of pace, simulating match situations relevant to his position on the field.

The club is aware of the crucial importance Barrios has within Simeone’s scheme. His presence in the starting eleven, as demonstrated by playing complete important matches, is fundamental to the team’s success. Ensuring that he is 100% physically is a priority for Atlético de Madrid, who fully trust his talent and commitment to face the challenges ahead.

read the original article

Celebration and News in Atlético's Training

Atlético de Madrid closed the week of training with a morning session in Majadahonda, before enjoying a well-deserved break of almost four days. Cholo Simeone took the opportunity to work with a reduced group of players, due to the absences of internationals, Koke and Lemar.

The day had a special flavor, as Antoine Griezmann celebrated his birthday. The French striker, a key figure in the team’s scheme, received the affection of his teammates and the affection of some fans who came to Cerro del Espino to congratulate him.

Another highlight of the training was Witsel’s new look. The Belgian midfielder surprised everyone with striking braids, a change of image that did not go unnoticed. Finally, it is important to note that Pablo Barrios did specific work apart from the group during the second part of the session. The club is carefully managing his workload, after a busy summer with the Olympic Games, to avoid possible muscle relapses. The team will return to work on Monday afternoon with their sights set on the upcoming challenges.

read the original article

Saúl Ñíguez: A Rojiblanco Future in Seville?

Saúl Ñíguez, a leader on the field, currently on loan at Sevilla, generates expectations and debate among the Seville fans. Despite the criticism, his 6 assists demonstrate his value in the League, establishing himself as one of the most outstanding players in the reconstruction project of the Andalusian team.

Coming from Atlético de Madrid, Saúl signed a two-season loan, an agreement that, according to the ‘Abc’ newspaper, is favorable for Sevilla, since they only assume a small part of his salary.

Although Saúl’s performance is positively valued for his influence in a young squad, there is a clause that allows both the player and the club to break the loan next summer. This option offers flexibility in the face of possible offers or changes in the planning of the Seville team.

At this time, the Andalusian club is satisfied with the midfielder’s contribution, recognizing his potential to continue growing and leading the team. Saúl is expected to play a crucial role in the upcoming derby, given the shortage of troops due to the sanctions of Agoumé and Sow. His experience and leadership will be essential to face this important match.

read the original article

Atleti Takes Action: Denounces Rival Players to UEFA

Atlético de Madrid is not standing idly by and has raised its voice before UEFA after the recent derby. The Colchoneros club has sent UEFA four videos that record attitudes they consider unsportsmanlike by Real Madrid players during the celebration of their team’s qualification in front of the Rojiblancos fans at the Metropolitano.

Among the most controversial actions, the gesture of cutting the neck made by Rudiger towards the stands stands out, an act that has generated great indignation among the Atlético fans. The videos also show other attitudes that the club considers provocations, such as those of Vinicius.

Atlético hopes that UEFA will take action on the matter and sanction these behaviors, as it did in the past with Diego Simeone for a celebration that it considered inappropriate. The Colchoneros fans trust that UEFA will act with the same yardstick and defend the values of fair play in European football. The club has taken steps to defend the integrity of the Rojiblancos fans and is confident of a prompt response from the competent bodies.

read the original article