Real Madrid booked their place in the Spanish Super Cup final on Thursday (08/01) after defeating Atlético Madrid 2–1 in the semifinal. Goals from Rodrygo and Federico Valverde secured the victory, but the match was overshadowed by a heated confrontation involving Vinícius Júnior, Diego Simeone, and Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso.
Despite the positive result and qualification to face Barcelona in the final, tensions flared on the touchline during the second half. Atlético coach Diego Simeone directed a series of provocations toward Vinícius Jr., leaving the Brazilian visibly upset during the derby.
Xabi Alonso Defends Vinícius Jr. on the Sidelines
The situation escalated when Vinícius Jr. was substituted amid loud boos from the crowd. As Simeone continued to argue with the Real Madrid forward, Xabi Alonso unexpectedly stepped in, running toward the Atlético coach to defend his player and prevent the exchange from worsening.
The moment quickly went viral on social media, highlighting the intensity of the Madrid derby and adding further fuel to an already fierce rivalry. After the final whistle, both coaches continued to exchange words, suggesting that the controversy would extend into the post-match discussions.
With the victory, Real Madrid reinforced their historical dominance over Atlético Madrid. Los Blancos now have 119 wins, compared to 62 defeats and 63 draws, including two iconic victories in Champions League finals, a statistic that continues to weigh heavily in the rivalry.
Alonso Addresses Simeone Clash in Press Conference
During the post-match press conference, Xabi Alonso addressed the confrontation directly and did not shy away from criticizing Simeone’s behavior. The Real Madrid coach emphasized respect and sportsmanship, making his stance clear.
“I try to be respectful to opposing players, and when I heard what he said, I liked it even less. Simeone is not an example of a good sportsman, and there are limits,” Alonso said.
The remarks are expected to intensify the rivalry even further, especially with Real Madrid now preparing for a high-profile Super Cup final against Barcelona. As emotions continue to run high, the fallout from the derby is likely to remain a major talking point in Spanish football.
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
