Real Madrid won the Madrid derby against city rivals Atlético, securing their place in the Supercopa final. However, it was not the game itself that was the talking point afterwards, but rather the heated scenes towards the end. At the center of it all: Vinicius Junior and Diego Simeone.
Vinicius Junior and Diego Simeone had already clashed repeatedly on the sidelines during the game. It was clear to TV viewers that the two were repeatedly engaged in verbal skirmishes. When Vinicius Junior was taken off in the 81st minute, the conflict reached its peak.
Simeone gestured emphatically that Vinicius – who was being booed by some of the fans – should pay attention to the crowd’s reactions. Vinicius took this as a provocation and responded with equally emphatic gestures. Both coaching teams suddenly became involved in the altercation and clashed for a moment. Of course, this scene was also a topic of discussion at the press conference afterwards.
“I try to be respectful towards the opposing team. I didn’t like this situation,” said Real coach Xabi Alonso, who then harshly attacked his fellow coach. “I saw Cholo say something to Vinicius, and for me, that goes beyond the respect you have to show your colleagues. Then I saw what he said, and I don’t like it when my players are treated that way. That’s not a good example of sportsmanship. Not everything is allowed; you have to respect your opponent. Everything that happens on the field has its limits.”
Simeone has “a bad memory” and doesn’t remember
Simeone saw things a little differently. He said he had “nothing to say” about the altercation with Vinicius, because “what happens on the pitch stays on the pitch.” Meanwhile, television footage showed the Argentine allegedly saying something in the Brazilian’s ear on the sideline: “Remember, Florentino will kick you out.” When asked about this, the 55-year-old simply replied: “I don’t remember, I have a bad memory.”
Given the result, the Royals can calmly let the scene sink in. “Simeone has lost another knockout game,” Vinicius commented maliciously under a corresponding video on Instagram.
Mbappé likely fit for the final
Thanks to goals from Fede Valverde and Rodrygo, Real secured their place in the Supercopa final, with Alexander Sörloth’s consolation goal proving inconsequential. On Sunday, the next explosive duel against FC Barcelona awaits in the final.
Kylian Mbappé is also expected to be back in action. The Frenchman had recently been sidelined with a knee injury, but will travel to the final. “He’s much better, he’s been training and feels good. His chances of playing are just as high as everyone else’s,” Xabi Alonso announced.
