A derby that boiled over
Madrid derbies rarely need extra fuel, but Thursday night’s Supercopa de Espana semi-final found a way to raise the temperature anyway. As Real Madrid edged past Atletico Madrid to book their place in the final, the football almost became secondary to a tense touchline exchange involving Vinicius Junior and Diego Simeone.
The match, played in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was tight and combative from the opening whistle. Goals from Federico Valverde and Rodrygo secured a 2–1 win for Real Madrid, but it was what happened near the dugouts that dominated post-match discussion.
What Simeone reportedly said
According to Spanish reports and broadcast footage, Simeone directed a pointed remark at Vinicius during the first half, invoking Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and suggesting the club would eventually turn on the Brazilian winger.
Later in the game, the Atletico coach again sought Vinicius out, this time gesturing toward the crowd and encouraging him to listen to the boos raining down from the stands. For a player who has repeatedly spoken about being targeted by opposition fans, the moment struck a nerve.
Teammates step in on the touchline
Tensions finally spilled over when Vinicius was substituted for Arda Guler late in the second half. As he walked off, Vinicius reacted angrily toward the Atletico bench and had to be restrained by teammates and members of the coaching staff, including Xabi Alonso.
The referee eventually intervened, issuing yellow cards to both Vinicius and Simeone as tempers threatened to derail the closing stages of the match.
Social media lights up
It did not take long for the clip to circulate online. Broadcasters TNT Sports shared footage of the incident, with fans quickly weighing in. Some praised Vinicius for standing his ground, while others accused Simeone of deliberately trying to unsettle a player known for thriving on emotion.
The reaction echoed a familiar split whenever Vinicius is involved. To his supporters, he is unfairly provoked and scrutinised. To his critics, he is too easily drawn into confrontation. Either way, the incident once again showed how polarising he has become across Spanish football.
Post-match reactions tell different stories
Simeone played the situation down after the final whistle, insisting that whatever happens on the pitch should stay there. He stressed his respect for Real Madrid players and suggested his comments were simply an external observation rather than a personal attack.
Alonso, however, took a firmer stance. The former midfielder confirmed he heard what was said and made it clear he was unhappy with the tone, adding that certain comments cross a line and should not be part of the game.
More than just a flashpoint
This was not just a one-off spat in a heated derby. It tapped into a broader narrative around Vinicius, who continues to be a focal point for opposition fans and managers alike. In recent seasons, he has become one of the faces of Real Madrid’s new era, but also a lightning rod for controversy wherever he plays.
As Real Madrid move on to the Supercopa final, the football will rightly take centre stage again. Still, this exchange served as a reminder that in high-stakes clashes like this, words can inflame a situation just as quickly as a late tackle.
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Source: SportsBible
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