Real Madrid defeated Atlético and followed FC Barcelona into the Spanish Supercopa final. Vinícius Junior and Diego Simeone opened up a small side show.
In the semi-final of the Spanish Supercopa between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, a heated exchange of words occurred in the final phase between Vinícius Júnior and Atlético coach Diego Simeone. It happened when the Brazilian was substituted in the 81st minute.
As Vinícius left the field towards the substitutes’ bench, Simeone directed provocative words at the Real star. The Atlético coach could be clearly heard over nearby microphones: “Vini, Vini… Florentino will throw you out. Remember I told you!” This was referring to Real president Florentino Pérez.
The statement likely came against the backdrop of ongoing speculation about Vinícius’s sporting future. The 25-year-old’s current contract expires in 2027. Recently, there were reports that Real Madrid might be willing to sell him if a contract extension doesn’t materialize.
Things got heated between Diego Simeone (l.) and Vinícius (m.)
Rüdiger leads Vinícius away
Vinícius, in turn, reacted indignantly to Simeone’s remark and urged the referees to sanction the Atlético coach.
Subsequently, an altercation ensued between members of both coaching staffs. Finally, Xabi Alonso and Antonio Rüdiger intervened. Rüdiger led Vinícius towards the dressing room after the attacking player had also received a yellow card.
On social media, the Brazilian then hit back himself. “He lost another knockout game,” Vinícius wrote in an Instagram story – a jab clearly aimed at Simeone.
Real Madrid now faces Barcelona
In the end, Vinícius had the better outcome on his side. The Whites prevailed 2-1 against their city rivals in the hard-fought semi-final in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia).
Federico Valverde gave Real the lead as early as the second minute, and Rodrygo increased it after the break. Alexander Sörloth’s goal merely served to reduce the deficit.