After the Copa del Rey clash on January 18 between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, Atletico’s manager, Diego Simeone, addressed the heated confrontation with Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. that occurred at the end of the match, which Atletico won 4-2 after extra time as their fight video went viral
This encounter marked the second time in just over a week that the two teams faced each other. The previous meeting, a Supercopa de Espana semi-final in Saudi Arabia, ended in a 5-3 victory for Real Madrid after extra time.
“Number 7 your mother’s c”nt,” Diego Simeone hits back at Vinicius Jr, fight video goes viral
Vinicius tried to provoke Diego Simeone by gesturing the number 7 with his fingers.
Diego Simeone’s response: “Number seven, your mother’s c*nt.”
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) January 19, 2024
Diego Simeone’s Statement
The Copa del Rey Round of 16 took place at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, with Atletico emerging victorious in extra time. Despite the post-match spat with Vinicius Jr., Simeone downplayed the incident, attributing it to the intensity of the game.
In response to questions about the confrontation during a press conference, Simeone stated, “With Vinicius? There’s nothing to comment on. These are things that happen on the pitch.”
Atletico Madrid sought revenge against their city rivals, benefiting from a longer rest period as they arrived in Spain earlier than Real Madrid. The previous encounter in Riyadh saw Los Blancos secure a 5-3 win after extra time in the Spanish Super Cup.
Fatigue appeared to affect Real Madrid in Thursday’s match, having played and won against Barcelona in the Super Cup final just days prior. The Copa del Rey fixture was not only a battle for a spot in the last eight but also an opportunity for both teams to assert themselves as contenders for the trophy, given their status as two of Spain’s biggest clubs.
🚨 De Paul vs Vinicius Jr. yesterday.
Vinicius Jr. was seen saying: "I play for Real Madrid, Who are you?
De Paul Replied: "I'm a World Champion, Who are you?" 😭😭😭😭pic.twitter.com/HqT2sedGrG
— 𝐗𝐚𝐯𝐢 𝐄𝐫𝐚 (@harryfcb21) January 19, 2024
Atletico took the lead in the first half through Samuel Lino (39’), but an own goal by Jan Oblak just before half-time leveled the score. Alvaro Morata (57’) restored Atletico’s lead, only for Joselu (82’) to equalize late for Real Madrid, forcing the game into extra time.
In the additional 30 minutes, Atletico demonstrated greater stamina, with Antoine Griezmann (100’) scoring to put them ahead. Young forward Rodrigo Riquelme (119’) sealed the result with another goal for Atletico Madrid.