Reconstructing the Vinícius–Simeone clash: repeated verbal exchanges and Alonso stepping in for Vinícius

Real Madrid beat Atlético Madrid 2–1 in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final, but more than the result itself, the biggest talking point of the match was the friction between Atlético head coach Diego Simeone and Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior.

During the game, Vinícius and Simeone engaged in what could be described as a “personal duel” in Saudi Arabia. One was competing on the pitch, while the other stood on the touchline directing his team and attempting to influence the Real Madrid player from the sidelines.

In the 45th minute of the first half, Simeone was suspected of exchanging trash talk with Vinícius. According to reports, Simeone shouted at Vinícius from the technical area: “Florentino will kick you out. Remember what I’m telling you.”

[Related reading: Mundo Deportivo: Simeone shouted at Vinícius during the match, “Florentino will get rid of you.”]

As the game progressed, the direct confrontation between the two gradually cooled, but before half-time Simeone once again expressed his dissatisfaction on the touchline, this time shifting his focus to Dani Carvajal.

In the 81st minute, Vinícius was substituted. As the Brazilian walked toward the bench, Simeone again called out to him from the technical area, saying, “Listen to how they’re booing you,” while pointing toward the stands and repeatedly drawing attention to the crowd’s jeers.

This immediately prompted a reaction from the Real Madrid camp. Head coach Xabi Alonso quickly stepped forward from the opposite side to confront Simeone directly. Broadcast footage showed Alonso clearly shouting toward the camera: “Mind your own people, ****!”

[Related reading: Alonso stands up for Vinícius, shouts at Simeone: “Mind your own people, XXXX.”]

The brief confrontation made the atmosphere on the sidelines tense. Federico Valverde then stepped in to mediate, acting as a buffer between the two sides, while Real Madrid teammates guided Vinícius back to the bench. Alonso was visibly unhappy and later turned to the fourth official to lodge a complaint, urging him to pay attention to and put a stop to Simeone’s interactions with Real Madrid players.

Fabrizio Romano later posted a video of the clash between Vinícius and Simeone on social media. Vinícius commented underneath: “(He) lost another knockout match 🥺🥺🥺🥺.”