Xabi Alonso launched a fierce defence of Vinicius Jr last night, accusing Diego Simeone of a “lack of respect” after the Atletico boss was filmed goading the Brazilian during Real Madrid’s fiery Super Cup semi final win.
Real booked yet another El Clasico final, beating their city rivals 2-1 in Jeddah, but the post match talk was all about a spiteful touchline spat. TV footage appears to show Simeone telling Vinicius that Real president Florentino Perez “is going to kick you out,” before later urging him to “listen” to the booing crowd.
“First of all, I try to be respectful to the opposing team’s players and I don’t usually speak to them,” a stern Alonso said post match. “When I read and heard what he said to him, I liked it even less. What he said wasn’t a good example. For me, not everything is acceptable. You have to respect your opponent. Everything that happens on the field has its limits.”
The simmering row boiled over when Vinicius was substituted late on, with both benches clashing as the winger was led away. It overshadowed a professional Real performance, built on Federico Valverde’s rocket free kick after just two minutes and a cool Rodrygo finish early in the second half.
“It was a very hard fought match,” Alonso admitted. “Fede’s early goal changed everything. This team knows how to play semi finals. The objective was to reach the final and we has done that.”
Atletico, who got a consolation through Alexander Sorloth, were left fuming at the result and the focus on their manager’s conduct. But the damage is done, and the narrative is set: another explosive chapter in this bitter rivalry, with Simeone’s mind games landing him in hot water with his opposite number.
The win sets up a Sunday showdown with Barcelona, who thrashed Athletic Bilbao 5-0 in the other semi. For Real, it’s a chance for more silverware in Saudi Arabia. For Vinicius, the last word may yet be had on the pitch, but Alonso’s made sure the fallout from this one will rumble on long after the final whistle.
