Atlético Denies Ties with Referee Munuera and Denounces Harassment Campaign

Atlético de Madrid has responded to reports linking the club to the company of referee Munuera Montero, the focus of controversy after his performance in the Osasuna-Real Madrid match.

The club has issued a statement categorically denying any commercial or contractual relationship with Talentus Sports Speakers, Munuera Montero’s company. According to Atlético, the information spread through social media and some media outlets, suggesting a conflict of interest, is false.

The club’s Compliance department conducted a thorough investigation, interviewing heads of Administration, Contracting, and Human Resources, and confirmed that there is no relationship with the mentioned company.

Furthermore, the Compliance department of the Royal Spanish Football Federation ratified the non-existence of a conflict of interest between Munuera Montero’s business activities and his refereeing work. The Rojiblancos club regrets these harassment campaigns, which it considers detrimental to the image of Spanish football, and demands that they not go unpunished. Atlético remains firm in its commitment to transparency and integrity in sport.

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Madrid Derby in Champions League: Revenge in Sight?

A possible Madrid derby in the Champions League round of 16 looms as one of the most exciting clashes of the competition. For Atlético, it would be a golden opportunity to settle scores with Real Madrid in the continental tournament.

Memories of lost finals in Lisbon (2014) and Milan (2016), as well as eliminations in the quarter-finals (2015) and semi-finals (2017), still weigh heavily on the Colchoneros fans.

Atlético reaches this stage after a remarkable League Phase, where they overcame a difficult start with five consecutive victories, including a win against PSG and a comeback against Leverkusen, thus securing a place among the top eight.

Facing Real Madrid in the round of 16 could be seen as a major challenge, but also as a unique opportunity to demonstrate the team’s strength and change recent history in the Champions League.

Although Real Madrid has been an implacable rival for Atlético in the Champions League, the grit and fighting spirit of Simeone’s team should never be underestimated. A derby at the Metropolitano and another at the white’s stronghold promise to be high-tension matches, where every detail will make the difference. If fate crosses these two rivals, the Rojiblancos fans eagerly await a historic revenge that will propel them to the quarter-finals.

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Valencia Strengthened: Ready for the Clash against Atleti!

Good news, Atlético fans! Valencia is preparing to host our Atleti with some key players back in the fold. Javi Guerra and Mouctar Diakhaby, after partially missing training sessions, have returned to training normally with the rest of the group.

This recovery represents an important boost for the Che team ahead of the upcoming match. However, it’s not all good news for Valencia. José Luis Gayà, their captain, trained apart from the group as a precaution and for workload management, although in principle he shouldn’t be a doubt for the match.

Coach Carlos Corberán, with the exception of the long-term injured Thierry Rendall, seems to have most of his squad available. Atleti will face a Valencia that, although with some precautions, arrives strengthened for the match. This promises an exciting and hard-fought game at the Metropolitano! Aúpa Atleti!

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Sørloth: Atlético's Decisive Impact Player

Alexander Sørloth has established himself as a key player for Atlético de Madrid, standing out as the most effective goalscorer from the bench in the major European leagues.

With seven goals as a substitute, the Norwegian striker has become a fundamental resource for Diego Simeone, propelling the team to three victories and a valuable draw. These goals have added ten crucial points to Atlético’s tally, placing them third in the table.

His impact is undeniable, surpassing other talented players who have also excelled from the bench. Sørloth’s ability to seize his opportunities, even with near-constant bench duty, makes him a unique case in European football.

His recent goal against Celta, where he came onto the field in the final minutes, demonstrated his worth. With a chest control and an unstoppable volley, he secured a vital point for Atlético.

Despite not always being a starter, the attacking duo is usually Julián Álvarez-Antoine Griezmann, Sørloth remains an essential piece in Simeone’s scheme. His absence was felt in the defeat to Leganés, as the coach himself acknowledged. Sørloth embodies the power of a game-changer who makes a difference.

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In the Spotlight: Busquets Ferrer and Atleti

Atlético de Madrid is preparing for its visit to Mestalla, where they will face Valencia on matchday 25 of LaLiga. The referee appointment has fallen to Mateo Busquets Ferrer, a young Mallorcan referee who is in his second season in the elite of Spanish football.

The curious fact is that Busquets Ferrer has only refereed the first team of Atlético on one occasion, in the derby against Real Madrid at the Metropolitano. That match, which ended in a 1-1 draw thanks to a goal from Correa in added time, was marked by tension and the expulsion of Llorente.

However, what is most striking is that Busquets Ferrer has refereed Atlético de Madrid B more often than the first team. Los rojiblancos hope that this statistic does not influence their performance at Mestalla, where they will be looking for a crucial victory for their aspirations in the competition.

We trust in the referee’s professionalism and the dedication of our players to overcome this new challenge. The team travels with the hope of bringing joy to the fans and adding three important points in this decisive stretch of the season. Come on, Atleti!

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Atlético: Eyes on Mestalla

Atlético de Madrid is intensely preparing for their visit to Mestalla, where they will face a Valencia on the rise. Despite the absences of Koke due to injury and Pablo Barrios due to suspension, Diego Simeone is fine-tuning the strategy for a crucial match.

Since the beginning of the week, Simeone has opted for Marcos Llorente in the midfield, partnering with De Paul, consolidating this option in the last training session. Another important novelty would be the inclusion of César Azpilicueta at left-back, replacing Javi Galán.

The possible starting eleven would be composed of Oblak; Molina, Le Normand, Lenglet, Azpilicueta; Giuliano, De Paul, Llorente, Lino; Griezmann and Julián Alvarez.

During the training, Simeone was particularly active, focusing on offensive actions and conveying calm to his players in the opponent’s area, seeking to saturate the Valencia defense. After training, the likely starters refined the strategy. Despite the important challenges ahead, such as the duels against Barcelona in Copa del Rey and Athletic in La Liga, the team is fully focused on the match against Valencia, aware of the need to score points to continue fighting for the title.

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Atléticos on the Attack! Exciting Potential Champions League Rivals

Attention, Rojiblancos! The Champions League round of 16 draw is just around the corner, and optimism fills the Metropolitano. After a hard-fought group stage, Atlético awaits its opponent with the hope of going far in the competition.

Among the possible pairings, some duels promise to be true epic battles. A clash with Bayern Munich would evoke memories of intense European battles, testing the claw and competitive spirit of Simeone’s team.

It would be a tie to show what Atleti is made of! Another crossing that would spark sparks would undoubtedly be a Madrid derby in the Champions League. Atlético has pending accounts with its eternal rival in the top European competition and this could be the perfect opportunity to settle them.

Passion and intensity would be guaranteed! Other possible rivals, such as PSG, would also generate excitement. The French team, with its constellation of stars, would be a major challenge for the Rojiblanca defense. Whatever the rival, one thing is clear: Atlético de Madrid will compete tooth and nail, true to their style. Aúpa Atleti!

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Giménez reveals key moments in his Red and White career

José María Giménez, established as a pillar in Atlético de Madrid’s defense, has revealed details about two crucial moments in his career when he considered the possibility of leaving the club.

In a recent interview, the 30-year-old Uruguayan center-back confessed that the first occasion arose in 2018, when he rejected an offer. The second opportunity arose after the pandemic, between 2020 and 2021, a period in which Giménez admitted to having deeply reflected on his future.

The defender spoke with Cholo Simeone and Miguel Ángel Gil, weighing the pros and cons of a possible change of scenery. Giménez acknowledged that at that time he felt some discomfort, but after analyzing the situation with his family, the club and the coach, he understood that his desire was to remain in the Metropolitano.

He identified that initial feeling as a moment of ego that prevented him from seeing the full picture. Giménez expressed his satisfaction with the decision made, stating that he does not regret it and that he is currently very happy to continue defending the Red and White jersey.

When asked about the possible destinations that were considered on those two occasions, the Uruguayan player confirmed that one of the options was the Premier League, although he preferred not to reveal more details about the other alternative. Josema continues to be a benchmark in Atlético’s defense, demonstrating his commitment and worth in every game.

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Rojiblanco Reunion at Mestalla: Alvarez and Gallagher Against Their Talisman

Atlético de Madrid travels to Mestalla with the firm intention of getting back on the winning track after two draws that have left a bittersweet taste. Saturday’s match has a special meaning for two key players in the Rojiblancos squad: Julián Alvarez and Conor Gallagher, who precisely against Valencia celebrated their first goals as colchoneros.

It was on the fifth matchday of last season when the Metropolitano vibrated with the goalscoring debut of both. Gallagher opened the scoring with a goal that showed his goalscoring nose, after an assist from Rodrigo de Paul.

Alvarez, for his part, sealed the victory in added time, showing his killer instinct inside the area. That day, Simeone surprised with Sorloth accompanying Griezmann in the attack.

For the match in Valencia, Alvarez is expected to be part of the starting eleven, while Gallagher could wait for his opportunity on the bench, a situation that has been repeated in recent matchdays, with Samu Lino gaining ground in Cholo’s scheme.

The absences of Barrios, sanctioned, and Koke, injured, opened the door to Gallagher’s starting position in the center of the field, but everything points to Llorente accompanying De Paul in the double pivot. Without a doubt, the match against Valencia is an opportunity for Atlético to demonstrate their ambition and solidity, with Alvarez and Gallagher ready to leave their mark in the Metropolitano.

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Road to the Round of 16! Atlético faces the European challenge

The Champions League enters its decisive phase, and Atlético de Madrid is preparing for an exciting round of 16 draw. After an intense group stage, the Rojiblancos eagerly await the name of their next opponent in the quest for European glory.

Although all ties present a challenge, the possibility of a Madrid derby generates special tension. Atlético’s emissaries will experience the draw with intensity, aware that avoiding Real Madrid does not guarantee an easy path, as Bayern Munich presents itself as a demanding alternative.

The new Champions League format has left few surprises, consolidating the favorites. Now, with the draw just around the corner, Atlético is focused on preparing for the challenge that fate holds for them, with the intact hope of going as far as possible in the competition. The Rojiblancos fans trust in the fighting spirit and characteristic grit of the team to overcome any obstacle and continue dreaming of lifting the trophy in Munich.

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