Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over city rivals Atlético Madrid in a tense Spanish Super Cup semifinal on Thursday, booking a final clash with Barcelona. However, the match’s outcome was largely overshadowed by a heated, personal confrontation between Atlético manager Diego Simeone and Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior, sparking accusations of unsportsmanlike conduct and a fierce defense from the winning bench.
The flashpoint occurred late in the match at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium. As Vinícius was substituted in the 81st minute, television cameras and pitchside microphones captured Simeone directing pointed remarks at the Brazilian star.
Multiple sources confirmed the Atlético coach told Vinícius, “Florentino will kick you out. Remember that I told you so!” in a direct reference to Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez. The provocation did not stop there; Simeone was also seen gesturing toward the sections of the crowd that were booing Vinícius as he left the pitch, telling him to “listen” to the whistles.
The exchange quickly escalated, requiring intervention from the fourth official and leading to a yellow card for Vinícius. Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso was visibly angered by the incident and did not mince words in his post-match critique.
“I didn’t like it,” Alonso told Movistar. “For me, those things cross a line in terms of respect of a colleague … not anything goes.” He expanded on his criticism in a later news conference, stating, “When I saw and heard what [Simeone] said, I liked it even less. What he said isn’t an example of a good sportsman. You have to have respect for your opponents. There’s a limit.”
In stark contrast, Simeone refused to engage with the controversy after the final whistle. When questioned by the media, the Argentine coach was dismissive. “I don’t have anything to say,” Simeone stated. “I always said, since I was a player: things that happen on the pitch stay on the pitch. I have nothing more to say. I respect all of Real Madrid’s players, a lot.”
Other reports quoted him saying, “I don’t remember, I have a bad memory,” when pressed for details on his comments.
The simmering tensions between Vinícius and Simeone add a new chapter to a long-running narrative. The Brazilian winger has frequently been a target for Atlético Madrid, with players and staff alike known to employ tactical provocations to disrupt his focus.
Furthermore, Simeone’s choice of words tapped directly into persistent speculation about Vinícius’s future at the Bernabéu. Despite having a contract until 2027, the player has been the subject of intense transfer rumors, including reported interest from clubs like Chelsea.
This season, he has also faced occasional criticism and whistles from a segment of the Real Madrid fanbase, a point Alonso has previously addressed in defending his player.
Vinícius responded to the altercation not on the pitch but on social media. In a pointed dig at Simeone, he commented on an Instagram video of the clash, writing, “He has lost another knockout game”. The remark highlighted the ultimate outcome of the night: despite the mind games, it was Simeone’s Atlético that was eliminated, while Real Madrid advanced to a Sunday final against a Barcelona side that is the defending champion of the competition.
As the football world turns its attention to the upcoming Clásico final, the fallout from this sideline clash continues. It raises familiar questions about the boundaries of gamesmanship in high-stakes derbies and leaves a cloud over what should have been a straightforward celebration of Real Madrid’s progression.
The incident ensures that the rivalry between these two Madrid giants, already one of the sport’s most fiercely contested, has found a fresh and deeply personal edge.