The derby between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid had a tense moment between the Argentine Diego Simeone and the Brazilian Vinicius Junior. An exchange of words between the two that Simeone claimed not to remember, but which ended with a yellow card after their final altercation when 'Vini' was substituted. Xabi Alonso described the Atletico Madrid manager's behavior as a poor example of sportsmanship.

“I have nothing to comment on because what happens on the pitch stays on the pitch. Nothing to comment on,” Simeone responded when questioned at a press conference about whether he could clarify what happened on the field.

A conversation in which, according to Movistar+ cameras, Simeone said the following to Vinicius: “Florentino is going to fire you. Remember, he's going to fire you. He's going to fire you, remember what I'm telling you.”

However, when Simeone was asked directly if he recognized this phrase, he avoided answering: “I don't remember. I have a bad memory.”

An exchange of words that, for Xabi Alonso, “is not an example of good sportsmanship.” Because, in his opinion, “not everything goes.”

“First, I try to be respectful to the opposing team's players and I don't usually speak to them. When I heard what he said to him, I liked it even less. He's not a good sportsman, and not everything is acceptable. You have to respect your opponent, and what happens on the field has its limits,” the Real Madrid coach stated.

Tensions between Simeone and Vinicius ended with a yellow card for both when the Brazilian was substituted in the 80th minute. At that moment, whistles were heard, and Simeone, according to Movistar+, approached him and said, “Listen, listen.” Vini then spoke to referee Busquets Ferrer to complain that Simeone “is always messing things up.” Mateu Alemany, director of men's professional football at Atletico de Madrid, also commented on this on Movistar+. “I have no idea. Besides, what usually happens down there should stay down there.”I have no knowledge of that situation. I suppose those involved will explain it; the manager (Diego Simeone) will say what he has to say in a press conference. But these things seem irrelevant to me. What happens in football stays in football,” he said.