A fiery Spanish Super Cup semi-final was overshadowed by a remarkable personal duel on the touchline, as Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone launched a stunning verbal attack on Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior.
The incident occurred during Real Madrid's 2-1 victory over their city rivals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, January 8, 2026. The match, which secured a final berth against Barcelona, was fraught with tension, culminating in the extraordinary exchange between the Brazilian winger and the Argentine coach.
The Touchline Confrontation Erupts
Tempers flared on several occasions during the bad-tempered clash, but the first-half moment where Vinicius and Simeone almost came to blows captured most attention. Both figures were seen gesticulating angrily and exchanging heated words, with the content initially a mystery to broadcasters and fans.
However, microphones from Spanish broadcaster Movistar later revealed Simeone's provocative side of the conversation. The Atletico head coach was allegedly heard telling the Madrid star: 'Florentino Perez [Real Madrid president] is going to kick you out, remember that!'
Simeone reportedly repeated the taunt, adding: 'Remember that they’re going to kick you out. They’re going to kick you out, remember what I’m telling you.'
Feud Reignites as Vinicius is Substituted
The animosity did not end there. When Vinicius was substituted for Arda Guler late in the game, the feud exploded once more. A large melee involving players and staff from both teams broke out in front of the dugouts.
This second flashpoint was reportedly sparked by Simeone, who pointed towards sections of the crowd booing and told Vinicius to 'Listen to the people'. The match itself was decided by early goals; Federico Valverde scored a stunning free-kick in the second minute, before setting up Rodrygo for Madrid's second ten minutes after half-time.
Alexander Sorloth pulled a goal back for Atletico moments later, but Xabi Alonso's side held on to win 2-1 and progress to a final showdown with Barcelona.
Alonso Condemns Simeone's Comments
The post-match fallout was significant. Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso pointedly refused to shake Simeone's hand after the final whistle and later condemned his counterpart's behaviour when facing the media.
'I heard what Simeone said to Vini, and I didn’t like it,' Alonso told reporters. 'You cannot talk like that, some things cross the line.'
Simeone's taunts arrive amid persistent speculation regarding Vinicius's long-term future at the Bernabeu. The 2024 Ballon d'Or runner-up has been linked with a potential mega-money move, with Premier League side Chelsea and clubs in the Saudi Pro League frequently mentioned as possible destinations.
The incident adds another intense chapter to the already volatile Madrid derby rivalry, ensuring the focus remained as much on the touchline drama as the action on the pitch.
