Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso hits out at Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone after Vinicius Junior touchline spat in Supercopa semi-final – ‘Have respect’

After exiting the field as a substitute in the 81st minute, Vinicius immediately looked over towards Simeone, who had appeared to make a comment in the direction of the Brazil international.

What followed was an angry exchange, as Vinicius was held back by staff and team-mates on the touchline while signalling to the officials that they should take action against the Atletico boss.

Alonso became involved in the furore as both benches clashed, resulting in Vinicius and Simeone being shown yellow cards.

Reporters asked Simeone in his post-match press conference whether he had taunted Vinicius by saying Madrid president Florentino Perez was “going to get rid of him” – and the Argentinian coach did not deny the claims.

Alonso told Movistar that Simeone’s behaviour “crossed a line” and felt a lack of respect had been shown to the Real forward.

Highlights: Valverde screamer helps Real Madrid beat Atletico to reach Supercopa final

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Alonso added: “I try to be respectful with players of opposing teams. When I saw and heard what (Simeone) said, I liked it even less. What he said isn’t an example of a good sportsman. You have to have respect for your opponents. There’s a limit.”

By Vinicius’s high standards, the 2025/26 season so far has been a difficult one, with Thursday’s semi-final his 16th match in succession without a goal.

Simeone did not wish to add any further comment following the touchline incident.

“I don’t have anything to say,” the Atletico coach said. “I always said, since I was a player, things that happen on the pitch stay on the pitch. I have nothing more to say.

“I respect all of Real Madrid’s players, a lot.”

Federico Valverde smashed home a free-kick to open the scoring inside two minutes in Jeddah, and the Uruguay midfielder set Rodrygo through on goal early in the second half to double Real’s lead.

‘Absolutely sublime!’ – Rodrygo doubles Real Madrid’s lead with cool finish

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On the touchline spat, Valverde commented: “There are codes between footballers, coaches.

“It’s a part of football. It’s a derby. The important thing is that it stays on the pitch. Football has to have that spark.”

Mbappe in contention for final

Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe is set to link up with his squad ahead of the Supercopa final.

Mbappe was omitted from the travelling squad as he continued to recover from a left knee sprain, but Alonso confirmed on Thursday he was set to travel to Saudi Arabia.

“Kylian travels tomorrow,” Alonso said. “He’s much better, he’s trained, the feelings are good.”

In his place, Real academy product Gonzalo Garcia started up front in the 2-1 win, having netted an impressive hat-trick in the preceding 5-1 La Liga victory against Real Betis.

Mbappe has been hugely influential for Real this season, recording 29 goals and registering five assists in 24 matches in all competitions.

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How to watch the final of the 2026 Supercopa de Espana

Sunday’s final between Real Madrid and Barcelona will get underway at 19:00 on TNT Sports 1.