Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid clash in heated Super Cup semi-final
A fierce row erupted between Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso and Atletico Madrid counterpart Diego Simeone during the Spanish Super Cup semi-final in Saudi Arabia, after the Argentine manager allegedly directed inappropriate remarks towards Vinicius Jr as the Brazilian left the field, reports BritPanorama.
Alonso reacted furiously to whatever was said to his player, immediately confronting Simeone on the touchline during what became an ill-tempered Madrid derby. The Real Madrid manager later accused Simeone of overstepping acceptable boundaries with his comments, although he refused to disclose the precise nature of what was said during the heated incident.
Following the match, Alonso expressed his displeasure at Simeone’s conduct towards the 25-year-old forward, stating, “I heard what Simeone said to Vini, and I didn’t like it. You cannot talk like that, some things cross the line. It’s unacceptable and it’s a lack of fair play.” Despite his evident anger, Alonso chose not to reveal the specific words that provoked such a strong reaction from him.
The confrontation added significant tension to an already heated derby encounter, highlighting Alonso’s belief that his player had been subjected to treatment that surpassed the normal boundaries of competitive football. When questioned about the incident after the final whistle, Simeone opted not to elaborate, saying, “Vini Jr? I have nothing to say. Ever since my playing career, I’ve said that what happens on the pitch, stays on the pitch.”
Real Madrid secured their place in the Spanish Super Cup final with a 2-1 triumph, courtesy of goals from Rodrygo and a spectacular effort from Federico Valverde, and will now face Barcelona in the showpiece match. The incident involving Vinicius Jr occurs against the backdrop of the forward’s troubled experiences in Spanish football, having faced nearly 20 separate incidents of racist abuse, including monkey chants directed at him during matches against various teams. There is currently no indication that Simeone’s comments were racist in nature.
As the dust settles on a dramatic encounter, questions linger about the unsavoury exchanges on the pitch and the broader implications for a league long plagued by controversies surrounding player conduct and respect. In a sport where rivalry runs deep, it serves as a reminder that emotions can sometimes overshadow fair play, leaving an indelible mark on its participants.
