Following Diego Simeone's heated exchange with Vinícius Júnior in the Spanish Supercopa semifinal, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso confronted the Atlético coach on the sideline and later criticized him in the press conference as a poor sports example. This display of intensity bolstered team unity ahead of the final, amid Alonso's evolving tactical approach.
In the Supercopa semifinal in Jeddah, where Real Madrid defeated Atlético Madrid 2-1, Xabi Alonso left his technical area for the first time as coach to reprimand Simeone directly over his treatment of Vinícius, shouting '¡Tú a lo tuyo, Cholo!' to urge focus on the game.
Post-match, Alonso escalated: 'He is not an example of a good sportsman. Not everything goes,' responding to Simeone reportedly calling the Brazilian 'rude.' Club sources viewed this as 'necessary' to support Vinícius and the squad.
This incident highlights Alonso's shift over the past month: from an initially demanding, high-press style—described as 'very intense' during the Club World Cup—to a more pragmatic approach after a key talk in Athens pre-Olympiacos. Recent tactics emphasize waiting at the back, long balls to Gonzalo García and Jude Bellingham, duel intensity, and solid defense, which succeeded against Atlético.
Dressing room morale is high: 'We are to the death with the coach,' said Bellingham, while Valverde noted Alonso's 'positive energy' and the need to defend him. Kylian Mbappé, recovered from a knee issue via private flight to Jeddah, is set for the final. Real Madrid now boasts five straight wins under Alonso.
