After the new Clasico in the final of the Supercopa de España at the start of 2025, Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid will face Atlético Madrid in another fiery derby at the Santiago Bernabéu on 9th February. With just a few weeks to go before this electrifying clash, the tension is rising between the two Madrid teams.
As we know, apart from the rivalry between Catalans and Madrilenians in Spain, the other major rivalry is the one between the two big clubs of the Madrid capital. For years, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid have maintained explosive relations. After the first leg of the Liga clash between the two Madrid teams at the Civitas Metropolitano on 29th September (1-1), the return leg will take place on 9th February at the Santiago Bernabéu. Ahead of this match, tension is rising among the key players due to the current league standings. Currently second to Real, the Colchoneros are determined to do everything they can to take top spot.
Vini’s tackle on the Colchoneros
Ahead of this highly anticipated encounter, Atlético coach Diego Simeone made a comment about the refereeing, which, according to him, always favours the Merengues. Indeed, after the Copa del Rey Round of 16 between Real and Celta Vigo, the Atlético coach claimed that referees have been favouring the White House for decades. Although Carlo Ancelotti responded firmly to Simeone’s comments, the Atlético coach is now caught in a sandwich between the players and even the supporters of Real Madrid.
In fact, during the 20th round of Liga this Sunday between Real and Las Palmas (4-1), the Bernabéu crowd sang songs mocking the Colchoneros: “They lost in the final, against Real! They cried in Lisbon, they cried in Milan…” Present in the stands due to his suspension, Vinicius Junior did not hesitate to join the Madrid supporters in their chant. According to captures from ElDesmarque, the Brazilian star also sang in unison with the crowd, targeting the Colchoneros.
Already at the centre of tensions on the pitch last September, Vinicius is once again adopting an attacking posture well ahead of the return leg, which is expected to be equally tense. Known for his fiery temperament, which is increasingly working against him, the FIFA Men’s Player of the Year 2024 should avoid these small provocations that don’t go unnoticed by Atlético players, who will likely retaliate on the pitch with their own provocations and altercations. Currently trailing Kylian Mbappé in terms of performance, Vini must focus on the essentials—namely, the pitch.
Dani Ceballos has also followed Vinicius’ lead
Present during the thrashing of Las Palmas, Dani Ceballos, who has become a key player in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, did not miss the chance to criticise Diego Simeone this Sunday. Asked about the controversial comments from the Atlético Madrid coach, the former Real Betis player also delivered a provocative response. “Simeone’s comments? He still hasn’t gotten over the two Champions League finals lost to Real Madrid,” Ceballos told Madrid-based media.
Clearly, everything is being set up for the tension to peak on 9th February at the Bernabéu. In any case, Carlo Ancelotti, who called his players to order in a press conference after Las Palmas, stating that this controversy should no longer be fuelled with responses, will have to find the right words to keep Vinicius Junior under control, especially during the derby. Currently leading Liga with 46 points, Real Madrid need to keep winning in the league to…
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