While Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory, the evening of 8/1 at King Abdullah Stadium was dominated by fiery sideline confrontations. From the outset of the semi-final, Vinicius repeatedly provoked Atletico coach Simeone.

Simeone initially got drawn into a direct argument with the 25-year-old opposing forward. The 55-year-old coach complained twice to fourth official Victor Garcia Verdura, who merely advised him to "stay calm." When Vinicius persisted with his provocative gestures, Simeone retaliated with a sharp psychological move.

Vinicius (in white) continuously exchanges words with coach Simeone.

According to commentator Paco Gonzalez on Tiempo de Juego, lip-reading experts from Movistar Plus+ decoded a message from Simeone to Vinicius: "Florentino Perez will eventually get rid of you, mark my words."

By the end of the first half, both appeared to refocus on the game. However, immediately after the referee blew the whistle for halftime, Simeone called Dani Carvajal, who was on the bench, aside to complain about Vinicius's conduct. Pointing towards the sideline, the Argentine coach explained to the Real Madrid captain what had occurred between him and the number 7 player.

In the 81st minute, when Vinicius was substituted for Arda Guler amidst whistles from the stands, tensions reignited. Simeone made a gesture towards the Real Madrid player, suggesting the jeers were for him. An enraged Vinicius told the main referee as he exited the field, "He always provokes people," before making a "see you later" gesture himself after the match.

At that point, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso and some coaching staff members rushed out, pulled their player away, and confronted Atletico's bench. "Mind your own business, damn it!" Alonso yelled at Simeone.

During the post-match press conference, when questioned about the on-field incident with Vinicius, Simeone stated, "Since childhood, I've learned that what happens on the pitch stays on the pitch; there's nothing further to comment on."

A reporter pressed on, asking about the provocative statement, "Florentino will get rid of you," reportedly uttered by Simeone to Vinicius. The Atletico head coach chuckled in response, saying, "I don't recall that clearly; my memory isn't what it used to be these days."

Coach Simeone taunts Vinicius as the Real Madrid player leaves the field.

Regarding his conversation with Carvajal, Simeone affirmed his respect for the Spanish defender and all Real Madrid players. "I merely informed him of the situation from an outsider's viewpoint, which is precisely what they are currently experiencing," he added.

Alonso, however, was not willing to overlook the incident. "I truly dislike such confrontational situations," the 44-year-old coach stated post-match. "Simeone said something to Vinicius, and to me, such actions exceed the boundaries of mutual respect between colleagues. Upon learning the content of his remarks, I disapproved of how he spoke to my player. I consistently strive to respect opposing players, and in football, not everything is acceptable."

Alonso added that he had a private conversation with Vinicius and preferred not to disclose its details. "What Simeone said is not a good example of sportsmanship," he declared.

Spanish newspaper MARCA reported that Vinicius remained agitated after the match. Immediately upon entering the locker room, the player, born in 2000, commented on a video of his argument with Simeone, posted on journalist Fabrizio Romano's Instagram. Vinicius left a pointed remark aimed at the Atletico manager: "You lost another knockout match," the Brazilian player wrote, followed by four laughing-crying emojis.

Compiled by Hoang Thong