Vinicius Jr clashes with Diego Simeone during heated Madrid derby at Spanish Super Cup

Real Madrid secured a 2–1 victory over Atlético Madrid in the second semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup. Federico Valverde opened the scoring with a stunning early free-kick, before Rodrygo doubled the lead with a brilliant finish in the 55th minute. Alexander Sørloth pulled one back three minutes later, but Atlético were unable to find an equaliser.

However, the match was marked by a heated exchange on the touchline involving Vinicius and Simeone. The clash began in the first half, when the Atlético coach was seen exchanging words with the Brazilian winger. Simeone reportedly said: “Florentino is going to kick you out, remember,” in reference to Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez.

The situation escalated again in the second half. When Vinicius was substituted for Arda Güler in the 81st minute, Simeone appeared to continue taunting the player, telling him to “listen to the stadium” as he was booed. Players and staff from both sides intervened to prevent the confrontation from turning physical.

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso was visibly unhappy with Simeone’s behaviour and declined to shake hands with his counterpart after the final whistle. Speaking after the match, Alonso said: “I didn’t like that. I saw Simeone say something to Vinicius, and for me, that goes against the respect you should have for opponents. You can’t just do anything you want.”

Simeone, meanwhile, refused to be drawn into the controversy.  “I have nothing to say,” he told reporters. “I have always said that what happens on the pitch stays on the pitch. I have great respect for Dani Carvajal and for all Real Madrid players. I explained clearly how situations can look from the outside and how things are perceived.”

With the win, Real Madrid advanced to the Spanish Super Cup final, where they will face Barcelona on 12 January. Atlético Madrid will return to Spain to prepare for their Copa del Rey round-of-16 clash against Deportivo on 15 January.