Simeone taunts Vinicius as Madrid derby boils over in Supercopa semi-final
The most enduring image from Real Madrid’s Supercopa de España semi-final win was not a goal or a save, but a touchline confrontation that briefly sent both benches into chaos.
Madrid edged Atletico 2–1 in Riyadh, earning a place in the final, yet the match’s defining moment arrived late on, when Diego Simeone and Vinicius Junior became embroiled in a heated exchange that overshadowed the result.
The incident unfolded in the 81st minute as Vinicius was substituted by head coach Xabi Alonso. As the winger walked toward the technical area, Simeone appeared to shout toward him, triggering an immediate reaction.
Spanish radio programme Tiempo de Juego reported that the Atletico manager said:
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“Vini, Vini, Florentino Perez will kick you out.”
Vinicius turned back angrily, forcing teammate Antonio Rüdiger to intervene as coaching staff from both sides spilled toward the sideline. The Brazilian was later booked after order was restored.
The confrontation came at a delicate moment in Vinicius’ season. The 25-year-old has struggled for form, failing to score in 18 consecutive appearances, while speculation about his future has intensified. His current contract runs until the summer of 2027.
In November, GIVEMESPORT reported that Vinicius was hesitant to enter contract talks amid what it described as a “strained relationship” with Alonso. In the build-up to the semi-final, the coach dismissed suggestions of a rift and again defended the player after Simeone’s remarks.
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Earlier, Madrid had seized control quickly. Federico Valverde struck from a first-minute free-kick, catching Atletico cold, before Rodrygo doubled the lead shortly after half-time. Alexander Sorloth responded almost immediately, giving Atletico renewed belief, but the equaliser never arrived.
Vinicius addressed the exchange with Simeone shortly after the match. Posting on Instagram, he mocked the Atletico coach’s record in knockout fixtures, writing:
“He has lost another knockout match.”
The message, later shared by journalist Fabrizio Romano, ensured the episode continued well beyond the final whistle.
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Simeone, who has led Atletico since 2011, is under increasing scrutiny with his side fourth in La Liga, 16 points adrift of leaders Barcelona. Real Madrid, meanwhile, remain in contention on multiple fronts and will face Barcelona in the Supercopa final, with Alonso one victory away from his first major trophy as head coach — a prize secured amid familiar tension.
Sources: Tiempo de Juego, GIVEMESPORT, Fabrizio Romano
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