Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone directed “very harsh” words at Vinicius Junior, sparking the altercation between the two in the final minutes of the Rojiblancos’ match against Real Madrid in the 2026 Spanish Super Cup semi-final.
According to Marca, the provocations between Simeone and Vinicius began from the very first minute of the match, culminating in the unpleasant scene in the 81st minute when a verbal exchange erupted between the pair during the Brazilian’s substitution.
Vinicius moved too slowly during his substitution while Real Madrid were leading 2-1, which angered Simeone and even drew boos from the fans in the stands.
At that moment, Simeone told Vinicius, “Listen to the boos. At the end of the season, Florentino Perez (Real Madrid’s president) will sack you. Remember I told you so.”
Vinicius was furious after those words from Luis Simeone, especially as they added to the pressure he’s been under lately, amid the constant boos from the Santiago Bernabéu crowd.
Xabi Alonso intervened in the dispute, vehemently attacking Simeone and reportedly insulting him before telling him to mind his own business.
It’s worth noting that Simeone refused to comment on the incident after the match, considering it a common occurrence on the pitch and not worth discussing further.
