Simeone's Vinicius Jab: "Perez Will Kick You Out" - But Madrid Have the Last Word

The Spanish Super Cup semi-final between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid served up the usual theatrical fare, with Diego Simeone once again centre stage in a heated exchange with Vinicius Junior.

According to Movistar's lip-reading, the Atletico boss subjected the Brazilian to a pointed jab from the touchline, telling him: "Florentino Perez [Real Madrid president] is going to kick you out, remember that!" He doubled down moments later: "Remember that they're going to kick you out. They're going to kick you out, remember what I'm telling you."

The barb wasn't plucked from thin air. Simeone was clearly referencing the recent speculation surrounding Vinicius's future at the Bernabéu, with reports suggesting his form has dipped and that dressing room tensions have emerged among senior figures who would welcome his departure.

Getting their hands on the winger won't be straightforward for any interested party, mind you. Madrid have slapped a €1bn release clause on him, giving them the flexibility to demand whatever they fancy. There's been chatter, however, that Vinicius himself has explored the possibility of a reduced clause—around €300m—which might hint at openness to moving on.

When Vinicius made way from the pitch, Simeone wasn't finished. He had another dig ready, this time channelling the crowd at Jeddah's King Abdullah Sport City Stadium: "Listen to the people!" he hollered.

The Brazilian ultimately enjoyed the final say on the night. Madrid triumphed 2-1, booking their passage to a final showdown with Barcelona, and Vinicius made sure to remind Simeone via Instagram that losing knockout ties against his side has become something of a habit for the Atletico boss.

Simeone, characteristically, refused to go into specifics when pressed after the match. "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," he offered. "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."

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso wasn't quite so diplomatic. He made it clear he'd caught Simeone's comments and wasn't impressed: "I heard what Simeone said to Vini, and I didn't like it. You cannot talk like that, some things cross the line."