Atletico Madrid is through to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals after winning a penalty shootout against Inter Milan on Wednesday night. Atletico joined Borussia Dortmund, who took down PSV, as the last two teams to secure places in the next round of the competition.

Atletico entered the game against Inter needing to overcome a one-goal deficit after suffering a 1-0 away loss in the first leg of the Round of 16 matchup between the two teams. However, it was the Seria A side who struck first after Federico Dimarco turned a beautiful Nicolo Barella pass into a goal in the 33rd minute.

Luckily for Atletico, they managed to score a goal of their own just a couple of minutes later through Antoine Griezman. Striker Memphis Depay then added another goal in the 87th minute to force extra time.

Neither team seemed ready to take major risks in extra time, which led to penalties where Atletico players were better at keeping their cool. Jan Oblak saved penalties from Alexis Sanchez and Davy Klaassen before Lautaro Martínez missed the entire goal to end Inter’s UCL journey.

Earlier on Wednesday night, Borussia got a 2-0 win over PSV after the two sides played to a 1-1 draw in the first leg. Jadon Sancho and Marco Reus each scored a goal to send their team through.

Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund will join Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, PSG, and Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.

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Manchester United is looking to address its attacking woes in the January transfer window and has reportedly identified Atletico Madrid’s forward Antoine Griezmann as their preferred target. However, they are already facing an uphill battle to convince the Frenchman to make a switch to the Premier League.

According to a recent report by soccer insider Fabrizio Romano, Griezmann isn’t interested in joining Man United and is currently “only focused” on Atletico.

The reason why Manchester United is targeting Griezmann is his ability to score and also create chances for his teammates. For a team that only scored 13 goals in 12 games of the Premier League in 2023-24, a player of that would be a perfect fit. It is also believed that Griezmann has a release clause that comes to around $27 million, which is quite affordable for someone of his caliber.

One of the reasons why Griezmann isn’t interested in a move to Manchester United might be the club’s poor form and reported bad mood in the locker room. Also, it didn’t go well for him the last time he joined a high-profile club, with his 2019 move to Barcelona being a huge disappointment.

Griezmann has been in form for Atletico this season, scoring eight goals and dishing one assist in 12 La Liga games. He also has four goals in the UEFA Champions League. 

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Despite rumors that his run with Atletico Madrid is nearing an end, Argentinean manager Diego Simeone won’t be leaving Metropolitano Stadium anytime soon. The La Liga club announced earlier this week that Simeone inked a new contract with the club that runs until the summer of 2027.

Simeone was previously under contract throughout the 2023-24 season. He signed his last deal back in 2021.  

Simeone is one of the most successful managers in the club’s history. Since taking over Atletico Madrid in December of 2011, he guided them to two La Liga titles, two UEFA Europa League trophies, and two UEFA Champions League trophies.

Despite all of his successes, Simeone seemed at the exit door following a disappointing 2022-23 campaign. He reportedly had an offer to take over Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli in the summer, which would make him the highest-paid manager in the game.

After much consideration, Simeone decided to stay with Atletico and continue the project he had been building for more than a decade. The Madrid club is currently having a shaky start to the 2023-24 season in La Liga, sitting fifth with three wins, one draw, and two losses. The club has been much better in the Champions League, where they are at the top of Group E after four games.

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Veteran striker Diego Costa is no longer a member of La Liga giant Atletico Madrid after the two sides agreed to mutual contract termination.

While the move comes as a surprise, it isn’t hard to see Atletico’s motivation for parting ways with Costa. The 32-year-old veteran was one of the club’s highest earners but rarely managed to see the field this season.

Due to a combination of injuries and poor performances, he only made two starts and played seven matches in 2020-21.

With Costa off their books, Atletico will now be able to redirect some of the funds to reinforce their squad in the January transfer window as they look to keep the top spot in La Liga.

Costa, on the other hand, will now be free to sign with a club where he’ll get more playing time and an opportunity to get back to form. He reportedly already has several suitors, including Premier League side Arsenal.

Diego Costa spent seven seasons with Atletico Madrid on two different stints. He played a total of 215 games with the club in all competitions and scored 83 goals with 36 assists. Costa won six trophies in Atletico’s jersey, including the La Liga title in 2013-14.

“He has given us a lot, and we have given him a lot,” said Atletico manager Diego Simeone on Tuesday. “He needs new challenges because he feels good, strong, in good form. I can only imagine that wherever he goes he will do well because he is a fighter.”

The post Diego Costa and Atletico Madrid Agree to Contract Termination appeared first on SportzBonanza.

On a Wednesday night that was overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic that is gripping the news cycle and the world of sports, one of the biggest upsets in recent Champions League history took place.

Liverpool, who faced a 1-0 deficit in their Round of 16 matchup with Atletico Madrid, lost 2-3 to the Spanish side in extra time in the second leg of the draw, eliminating last year’s champion from the competition.

Diego Simeone’s underdogs will advance to the quarter-finals of the competition for the first time since the 2016-17 season after a night that will surely go down in the history of the club.

Liverpool attacked, attacked, and attacked all night to try to make up a 1-0 deficit that they faced after the first leg of the tie. Things looked good after Georgino Wijnaldum put the Reds up 1-0 just before the break, with the team looking plenty threatening and capable of scoring again.

However, Atletico held steady during the second half, which was enough to force added extra time.

Anfield went crazy after only four minutes of extra time as Roberto Firmino scored off of a rebound from goalie Jan Oblak to put Liverpool up 2-0, a result that would have seen them advance.

That’s when everything was turned upside down.

Atletico responded only two minutes later to trim the deficit to 2-1 after Liverpool backup goalie Adrian mistakenly passed a ball to the Colchoneros in his team’s own side of the field, and Marcos Llorente beat him.

Llorente scored again ten minutes later to deflate the Anfield crowd and tie the game, and Alvaro Morata added another goal to give his team a 3-2 win and a date in the quarter-finals.

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The Champions League Round of 16 matchups are just around the corner. The first legs of this knockout round will start up next week with some high-profile games.

Let’s take a look at the pairings for this year’s edition of the Round of 16 and predict a winner for each one.

Atletico Madrid vs. Liverpool

The reigning champions of the tournament certainly didn’t get an easy draw here, as Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid are always up for a good battle.

However, with Los Colchoneros floundering without Diego Costa and Joao Felix and Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool dominating any team that happens to wind up in front of them throughout this entire season, we think Liverpool will move on.

Pick: Liverpool

Borussia Dortmund vs. Paris Saint-Germain

One of the most promising Round of 16 matchups comes between Borussia Dortmund and PSG, two teams full of young stars.

Borussia Dortmund could end up escaping through if Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho give them an edge after the matchup’s first leg in Germany, but I ultimately think that the combination of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, who has never played as well as he is now, will be too much for the Dortmund defense.

Pick: PSG

Atalanta vs. Valencia

Who would have ever expected a Round of 16 tie between these two teams?

Valencia, who shocked many by winning their group in the group stage of the tournament, got a favorable draw against Atalanta in the first knockout round. Los Che have been inconsistent under Albert Celades, but we think that their quality is a bit too much for Atalanta to handle.

Pick: Valencia

Tottenham Hotspur vs. RB Leipzig

Perhaps the biggest “pick ’em” of the Round of 16 is this clash between last year’s finalists in Tottenham against RB Leipzig.

The German side might surprise many who aren’t familiar with their quality. Dani Olmo and Timo Werner will have a big chance to shine on a world stage in this tie, and we think that they will pull off the upset against a disheveled Spurs side.

Pick: RB Leipzig

Chelsea vs. Bayern Munich

Two European giants meet up in this juicy Round of 16 matchup, as Bayern will look to solidify its status as one of the tournament favorites.

Chelsea barely escaped from the group stage, and the uber-talented German champions will be out for blood. While Frank Lampard’s tenure at the Blues might be off to a promising start, we think that Bayern’s quality and experience are too much for them to handle.

Pick: Bayern Munich

Napoli vs. FC Barcelona

Barcelona meets up against Napoli in this Round of 16 matchup with some genuine upset potential.

The Catalans are still getting used to playing under new manager Quique Setien, but have shown signs of improvement lately. Leo Messi is still Leo Messi, and we think that they will move on to the next round with the help of a little bit of magic from the diminutive Argentinian.

Pick: Barcelona

Olympique Lyon vs. Juventus

After last year’s disappointing early exit at the hands of upstart Ajax, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juventus will look to avoid another upset at the hands of Lyon.

The Old Lady has one of world soccer’s best collections of talent, and it seems inevitable that they will cruise past their Ligue 1 opposition. Could a huge upset be in the cards, though? We doubt it.

Pick: Juventus

Real Madrid vs. Manchester City

Arguably the most intriguing Round of 16 matchup is this one between Champions League giants Real Madrid and Manchester City, the team that has been chasing this title for the better part of the past decade.

Zinedine Zidane’s Blancos got off to a slow start this season, but have taken flight over the past couple of months. Leading La Liga and getting outstanding performances from Karim Benzema and the ageless Sergio Ramos, we think that they will pull off the upset against Pep Guardiola’s Man City, which isn’t the squad it once was.

Pick: Real Madrid

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Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid won yet another title on Sunday night, taking home the 2020 Spanish Super Cup title after yet another tense game with bitter rival Atletico Madrid.

Los Blancos played Los Colchoneros to a 0-0 draw in the first 90 minutes. After no goals were scored during 30 minutes of extra time, the game went to a penalty shootout which was never in much doubt.

Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde was shown a red card and ejected from the game in the final minutes of extra time after taking down Atletico forward Alvaro Morata, who had a clear path towards the goal.

Valverde’s decision proved wise as Real Madrid won the shootout 4-1 after a shaky performance by Atletico Madrid’s penalty takers, claiming their 11th Super Cup title in the 36th edition of the competition.

After Atletico Madrid’s Saul fired wide of the net and Thomas Partey shot right at Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois, who saved the shot, Sergio Ramos buried his decisive penalty to give Real Madrid the trophy.

This year’s Super Cup was marked by controversy after the Spanish federation’s decision to include Atletico and Real Madrid in the competition despite neither winning the Copa del Rey nor the league last season, instead opting for a four-team format.

Real Madrid and Atletico will head back to work next weekend as La Liga returns to action.

The post Real Madrid Wins Spanish Super Cup in Penalty Shootout appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa underwent testing after complaints of neck discomfort and a poor run of form, and it turns out that the Spanish-Brazilian striker is dealing with a major problem that will force him to miss a significant amount of time.

Atletico’s medical personnel discovered that Costa is suffering from a cervical disc herniation that will require surgery to repair completely.

Many have wondered what has caused the former elite striker to be so ineffective lately. Costa, who played in the 2018 World Cup for Spain, has only scored two goals in 15 matches this season in La Liga and Champions League play.

While the team hasn’t officially confirmed the news of Costa’s impending surgery, all reports have indicated that this is the measure that he will ultimately have to undergo.

Unfortunately for Atleti, this means that Costa will likely be out until at least February. It now seems that the striker’s chances of playing for Spain in the Euro 2020 tournament are also slim.

Despite knowing that he won’t be back for a while, the Colchoneros aren’t expected to look to add a player during the winter transfer window in order to replace him during his absence.

The post Atletico Madrid Striker Diego Costa to Miss 3 Months With Neck Injury appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Atlético Madrid completed a $32.5 million transfer for Espanyol center-back Mario Hermoso on Thursday, wrapping up a week in which the team made two big transfers to bolster its defense.

Hermoso joins Kieran Trippier, who joined Atlético from Tottenham earlier in the week, as the new kids on the block in coach Diego Simeone’s defense.

Atlético has secured the Spanish international for the next five seasons. Curiously, a portion of the transfer fee paid for Hermoso will go to the pockets of the Colchoneros’ cross-town rivals, Real Madrid. Hermoso was a youth product from Los Blancos’ academy.

The 23-year-old is considered as being one of the top young defenders in Europe. His steadiness and defensive skill was a large reason why Espanyol was able to qualify for this season’s Europa League for the first time in nearly two decades. The left-footed defender is hailed for his technical abilities as well as his physical gifts and strength.

Now, Hermoso will have the ability to play for one of soccer’s brightest defensive minds, where he will look to impress and become a key part of Atleti’s backline.

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One of the more surprising moves of this summer’s soccer transfer window was completed on Wednesday, as Spurs right back and England international Kieran Trippier agreed to a move to La Liga’s Atlético Madrid.

Trippier, a regular starter for the Spurs team that reached the Champions League Final in May, has signed a three-year contract with the Colchoneros. The Spanish club reportedly paid a $27 million fee for the chance to acquire the right back.

The 28-year-old is a graduate of the Manchester City academy, which he left after never getting a chance to debut for the Man City senior team. He spent a few seasons on loan at clubs such as Barnsley and Burnley before signing a permanent deal with Burnley in 2012.

In 2015, he moved to Premier League giant Tottenham for $4.4 million, where he gradually gained experience and minutes. By last season, he had established himself as an unquestioned starter for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, becoming a key part of the team’s successful season.

Perhaps the most memorable moment so far of Trippier’s career was his goal in the 2018 World Cup semifinal against Croatia, which gave England a 1-0 lead before they eventually fell.

Now, he’ll have the opportunity to play for one of Spain’s best teams and under a defensive “guru” in Diego Simeone.

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Atletico Madrid is through to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals after winning a penalty shootout against Inter Milan on Wednesday night. Atletico joined Borussia Dortmund, who took down PSV, as the last two teams to secure places in the next round of the competition.

Atletico entered the game against Inter needing to overcome a one-goal deficit after suffering a 1-0 away loss in the first leg of the Round of 16 matchup between the two teams. However, it was the Seria A side who struck first after Federico Dimarco turned a beautiful Nicolo Barella pass into a goal in the 33rd minute.

Luckily for Atletico, they managed to score a goal of their own just a couple of minutes later through Antoine Griezman. Striker Memphis Depay then added another goal in the 87th minute to force extra time.

Neither team seemed ready to take major risks in extra time, which led to penalties where Atletico players were better at keeping their cool. Jan Oblak saved penalties from Alexis Sanchez and Davy Klaassen before Lautaro Martínez missed the entire goal to end Inter’s UCL journey.

Earlier on Wednesday night, Borussia got a 2-0 win over PSV after the two sides played to a 1-1 draw in the first leg. Jadon Sancho and Marco Reus each scored a goal to send their team through.

Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund will join Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, PSG, and Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.

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Manchester United is looking to address its attacking woes in the January transfer window and has reportedly identified Atletico Madrid’s forward Antoine Griezmann as their preferred target. However, they are already facing an uphill battle to convince the Frenchman to make a switch to the Premier League.

According to a recent report by soccer insider Fabrizio Romano, Griezmann isn’t interested in joining Man United and is currently “only focused” on Atletico.

The reason why Manchester United is targeting Griezmann is his ability to score and also create chances for his teammates. For a team that only scored 13 goals in 12 games of the Premier League in 2023-24, a player of that would be a perfect fit. It is also believed that Griezmann has a release clause that comes to around $27 million, which is quite affordable for someone of his caliber.

One of the reasons why Griezmann isn’t interested in a move to Manchester United might be the club’s poor form and reported bad mood in the locker room. Also, it didn’t go well for him the last time he joined a high-profile club, with his 2019 move to Barcelona being a huge disappointment.

Griezmann has been in form for Atletico this season, scoring eight goals and dishing one assist in 12 La Liga games. He also has four goals in the UEFA Champions League. 

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Despite rumors that his run with Atletico Madrid is nearing an end, Argentinean manager Diego Simeone won’t be leaving Metropolitano Stadium anytime soon. The La Liga club announced earlier this week that Simeone inked a new contract with the club that runs until the summer of 2027.

Simeone was previously under contract throughout the 2023-24 season. He signed his last deal back in 2021.  

Simeone is one of the most successful managers in the club’s history. Since taking over Atletico Madrid in December of 2011, he guided them to two La Liga titles, two UEFA Europa League trophies, and two UEFA Champions League trophies.

Despite all of his successes, Simeone seemed at the exit door following a disappointing 2022-23 campaign. He reportedly had an offer to take over Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli in the summer, which would make him the highest-paid manager in the game.

After much consideration, Simeone decided to stay with Atletico and continue the project he had been building for more than a decade. The Madrid club is currently having a shaky start to the 2023-24 season in La Liga, sitting fifth with three wins, one draw, and two losses. The club has been much better in the Champions League, where they are at the top of Group E after four games.

The post Atletico Madrid Signs Manager Diego Simeone to a New Contract Until 2027 appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Veteran striker Diego Costa is no longer a member of La Liga giant Atletico Madrid after the two sides agreed to mutual contract termination.

While the move comes as a surprise, it isn’t hard to see Atletico’s motivation for parting ways with Costa. The 32-year-old veteran was one of the club’s highest earners but rarely managed to see the field this season.

Due to a combination of injuries and poor performances, he only made two starts and played seven matches in 2020-21.

With Costa off their books, Atletico will now be able to redirect some of the funds to reinforce their squad in the January transfer window as they look to keep the top spot in La Liga.

Costa, on the other hand, will now be free to sign with a club where he’ll get more playing time and an opportunity to get back to form. He reportedly already has several suitors, including Premier League side Arsenal.

Diego Costa spent seven seasons with Atletico Madrid on two different stints. He played a total of 215 games with the club in all competitions and scored 83 goals with 36 assists. Costa won six trophies in Atletico’s jersey, including the La Liga title in 2013-14.

“He has given us a lot, and we have given him a lot,” said Atletico manager Diego Simeone on Tuesday. “He needs new challenges because he feels good, strong, in good form. I can only imagine that wherever he goes he will do well because he is a fighter.”

The post Diego Costa and Atletico Madrid Agree to Contract Termination appeared first on SportzBonanza.

On a Wednesday night that was overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic that is gripping the news cycle and the world of sports, one of the biggest upsets in recent Champions League history took place.

Liverpool, who faced a 1-0 deficit in their Round of 16 matchup with Atletico Madrid, lost 2-3 to the Spanish side in extra time in the second leg of the draw, eliminating last year’s champion from the competition.

Diego Simeone’s underdogs will advance to the quarter-finals of the competition for the first time since the 2016-17 season after a night that will surely go down in the history of the club.

Liverpool attacked, attacked, and attacked all night to try to make up a 1-0 deficit that they faced after the first leg of the tie. Things looked good after Georgino Wijnaldum put the Reds up 1-0 just before the break, with the team looking plenty threatening and capable of scoring again.

However, Atletico held steady during the second half, which was enough to force added extra time.

Anfield went crazy after only four minutes of extra time as Roberto Firmino scored off of a rebound from goalie Jan Oblak to put Liverpool up 2-0, a result that would have seen them advance.

That’s when everything was turned upside down.

Atletico responded only two minutes later to trim the deficit to 2-1 after Liverpool backup goalie Adrian mistakenly passed a ball to the Colchoneros in his team’s own side of the field, and Marcos Llorente beat him.

Llorente scored again ten minutes later to deflate the Anfield crowd and tie the game, and Alvaro Morata added another goal to give his team a 3-2 win and a date in the quarter-finals.

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The Champions League Round of 16 matchups are just around the corner. The first legs of this knockout round will start up next week with some high-profile games.

Let’s take a look at the pairings for this year’s edition of the Round of 16 and predict a winner for each one.

Atletico Madrid vs. Liverpool

The reigning champions of the tournament certainly didn’t get an easy draw here, as Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid are always up for a good battle.

However, with Los Colchoneros floundering without Diego Costa and Joao Felix and Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool dominating any team that happens to wind up in front of them throughout this entire season, we think Liverpool will move on.

Pick: Liverpool

Borussia Dortmund vs. Paris Saint-Germain

One of the most promising Round of 16 matchups comes between Borussia Dortmund and PSG, two teams full of young stars.

Borussia Dortmund could end up escaping through if Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho give them an edge after the matchup’s first leg in Germany, but I ultimately think that the combination of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, who has never played as well as he is now, will be too much for the Dortmund defense.

Pick: PSG

Atalanta vs. Valencia

Who would have ever expected a Round of 16 tie between these two teams?

Valencia, who shocked many by winning their group in the group stage of the tournament, got a favorable draw against Atalanta in the first knockout round. Los Che have been inconsistent under Albert Celades, but we think that their quality is a bit too much for Atalanta to handle.

Pick: Valencia

Tottenham Hotspur vs. RB Leipzig

Perhaps the biggest “pick ’em” of the Round of 16 is this clash between last year’s finalists in Tottenham against RB Leipzig.

The German side might surprise many who aren’t familiar with their quality. Dani Olmo and Timo Werner will have a big chance to shine on a world stage in this tie, and we think that they will pull off the upset against a disheveled Spurs side.

Pick: RB Leipzig

Chelsea vs. Bayern Munich

Two European giants meet up in this juicy Round of 16 matchup, as Bayern will look to solidify its status as one of the tournament favorites.

Chelsea barely escaped from the group stage, and the uber-talented German champions will be out for blood. While Frank Lampard’s tenure at the Blues might be off to a promising start, we think that Bayern’s quality and experience are too much for them to handle.

Pick: Bayern Munich

Napoli vs. FC Barcelona

Barcelona meets up against Napoli in this Round of 16 matchup with some genuine upset potential.

The Catalans are still getting used to playing under new manager Quique Setien, but have shown signs of improvement lately. Leo Messi is still Leo Messi, and we think that they will move on to the next round with the help of a little bit of magic from the diminutive Argentinian.

Pick: Barcelona

Olympique Lyon vs. Juventus

After last year’s disappointing early exit at the hands of upstart Ajax, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juventus will look to avoid another upset at the hands of Lyon.

The Old Lady has one of world soccer’s best collections of talent, and it seems inevitable that they will cruise past their Ligue 1 opposition. Could a huge upset be in the cards, though? We doubt it.

Pick: Juventus

Real Madrid vs. Manchester City

Arguably the most intriguing Round of 16 matchup is this one between Champions League giants Real Madrid and Manchester City, the team that has been chasing this title for the better part of the past decade.

Zinedine Zidane’s Blancos got off to a slow start this season, but have taken flight over the past couple of months. Leading La Liga and getting outstanding performances from Karim Benzema and the ageless Sergio Ramos, we think that they will pull off the upset against Pep Guardiola’s Man City, which isn’t the squad it once was.

Pick: Real Madrid

The post Predicting the Champions League Round of 16 Matchups appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid won yet another title on Sunday night, taking home the 2020 Spanish Super Cup title after yet another tense game with bitter rival Atletico Madrid.

Los Blancos played Los Colchoneros to a 0-0 draw in the first 90 minutes. After no goals were scored during 30 minutes of extra time, the game went to a penalty shootout which was never in much doubt.

Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde was shown a red card and ejected from the game in the final minutes of extra time after taking down Atletico forward Alvaro Morata, who had a clear path towards the goal.

Valverde’s decision proved wise as Real Madrid won the shootout 4-1 after a shaky performance by Atletico Madrid’s penalty takers, claiming their 11th Super Cup title in the 36th edition of the competition.

After Atletico Madrid’s Saul fired wide of the net and Thomas Partey shot right at Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois, who saved the shot, Sergio Ramos buried his decisive penalty to give Real Madrid the trophy.

This year’s Super Cup was marked by controversy after the Spanish federation’s decision to include Atletico and Real Madrid in the competition despite neither winning the Copa del Rey nor the league last season, instead opting for a four-team format.

Real Madrid and Atletico will head back to work next weekend as La Liga returns to action.

The post Real Madrid Wins Spanish Super Cup in Penalty Shootout appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa underwent testing after complaints of neck discomfort and a poor run of form, and it turns out that the Spanish-Brazilian striker is dealing with a major problem that will force him to miss a significant amount of time.

Atletico’s medical personnel discovered that Costa is suffering from a cervical disc herniation that will require surgery to repair completely.

Many have wondered what has caused the former elite striker to be so ineffective lately. Costa, who played in the 2018 World Cup for Spain, has only scored two goals in 15 matches this season in La Liga and Champions League play.

While the team hasn’t officially confirmed the news of Costa’s impending surgery, all reports have indicated that this is the measure that he will ultimately have to undergo.

Unfortunately for Atleti, this means that Costa will likely be out until at least February. It now seems that the striker’s chances of playing for Spain in the Euro 2020 tournament are also slim.

Despite knowing that he won’t be back for a while, the Colchoneros aren’t expected to look to add a player during the winter transfer window in order to replace him during his absence.

The post Atletico Madrid Striker Diego Costa to Miss 3 Months With Neck Injury appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Atlético Madrid completed a $32.5 million transfer for Espanyol center-back Mario Hermoso on Thursday, wrapping up a week in which the team made two big transfers to bolster its defense.

Hermoso joins Kieran Trippier, who joined Atlético from Tottenham earlier in the week, as the new kids on the block in coach Diego Simeone’s defense.

Atlético has secured the Spanish international for the next five seasons. Curiously, a portion of the transfer fee paid for Hermoso will go to the pockets of the Colchoneros’ cross-town rivals, Real Madrid. Hermoso was a youth product from Los Blancos’ academy.

The 23-year-old is considered as being one of the top young defenders in Europe. His steadiness and defensive skill was a large reason why Espanyol was able to qualify for this season’s Europa League for the first time in nearly two decades. The left-footed defender is hailed for his technical abilities as well as his physical gifts and strength.

Now, Hermoso will have the ability to play for one of soccer’s brightest defensive minds, where he will look to impress and become a key part of Atleti’s backline.

The post Atlético Madrid Completes $32.5 Million Mario Hermoso Transfer appeared first on SportzBonanza.

One of the more surprising moves of this summer’s soccer transfer window was completed on Wednesday, as Spurs right back and England international Kieran Trippier agreed to a move to La Liga’s Atlético Madrid.

Trippier, a regular starter for the Spurs team that reached the Champions League Final in May, has signed a three-year contract with the Colchoneros. The Spanish club reportedly paid a $27 million fee for the chance to acquire the right back.

The 28-year-old is a graduate of the Manchester City academy, which he left after never getting a chance to debut for the Man City senior team. He spent a few seasons on loan at clubs such as Barnsley and Burnley before signing a permanent deal with Burnley in 2012.

In 2015, he moved to Premier League giant Tottenham for $4.4 million, where he gradually gained experience and minutes. By last season, he had established himself as an unquestioned starter for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, becoming a key part of the team’s successful season.

Perhaps the most memorable moment so far of Trippier’s career was his goal in the 2018 World Cup semifinal against Croatia, which gave England a 1-0 lead before they eventually fell.

Now, he’ll have the opportunity to play for one of Spain’s best teams and under a defensive “guru” in Diego Simeone.

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