Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has issued an apology for his sideline antics during his team's Spanish Super Cup semi-final defeat by Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia, saying he was sorry for taunting Vinicius Jr. but refusing to ask for forgiveness. "It was wrong of me to put myself in that position, and I accept that it was wrong. As the struggling winger — enduring a 19-game goal drought — walked off, a laughing Simeone gestured toward the crowd, saying, "Listen, listen!". Real Madrid won 2-1, securing their place in the final which they lost 3-2 to arch-rivals Barcelona. "It was not an example of a good sportsman," Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso said of Simeone's behaviour.

Source: The Telegraph January 12, 2026 13:42 UTC