(foto: Screenshot)
A heated touchline clash between Vinicius Jr and Diego Simeone overshadowed Real Madrid’s win over Atlético, after the Argentine coach reportedly told the Brazilian that Madrid would soon get rid of him, crossing a line according to Xabi Alonso.
Real Madrid beat Atlético Madrid 2-1 in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final, but the match will be remembered far more for a fiery touchline confrontation between Vinicius Jr and Diego Simeone.
The incident erupted in the 81st minute, when Vinicius, who has not scored in 16 consecutive matches, was substituted with Real protecting their lead.
As he walked off the pitch, the Brazilian turned towards the Atlético bench and started shouting at Simeone, who had apparently made a comment in his direction.
According to Spanish media, pitchside microphones picked up the Atlético coach repeatedly telling Vinicius that “Real Madrid are going to get rid of you” — a reference to growing rumours about the winger’s uncertain future at the club.
The exchange quickly escalated into a full-blown argument. Vinicius had to be held back by staff and teammates, while Real coach Xabi Alonso also got involved, shouting towards the Atlético bench.
Both Vinicius and Simeone were shown yellow cards for their behaviour.
After the match, Xabi Alonso did not hide his anger and made it clear he felt Simeone had crossed a line.
“I didn’t like it. I saw that ‘Cholo’ said something to him. For me, these things cross a line in terms of respect for a colleague. Not anything goes,” Alonso told Movistar.
“I try to be respectful with players of opposing teams. When I saw and heard what he said, I liked it even less. What he said is not an example of sportsmanship. You have to respect your opponents. There is a limit,” he added.
Simeone, however, refused to go into details.
“I have nothing to say. I’ve always said that things that happen on the pitch stay on the pitch. I respect all Real Madrid players, a lot,” he said.
Real Madrid won the match thanks to goals from Federico Valverde and Rodrygo, booking their place in the final, where they will face Barcelona after the Catalans thrashed Athletic Bilbao 5-0.
Vinicius, however, did not let the matter rest. Under a video posted by Fabrizio Romano showing the clash, he wrote in Spanish:
“You’ve lost another knockout tie.”
Vinicius’ future under a cloud
The episode comes at a very delicate moment for the Brazilian. He last scored on October 4 against Villarreal and has been whistled by Real Madrid fans in recent matches.
His relationship with Xabi Alonso is said to be strained, and talks over a new contract — his current deal runs until 2027 — have reportedly been stalled since last May.
In Spain, there is growing speculation that Real Madrid could seriously consider selling him if his form and attitude do not improve.
For now, Madrid are through to another Super Cup final, but the spotlight is firmly on Vinicius Jr — and the question of whether his time at the Bernabéu is slowly coming to an end.