"Since changing the format in 2020-prior to that date, Spain did the normal thing of pitting the winners of the league and the domestic cup against each other in a one-game preseason final, but now it is a four-team knockout between those two winners and the runners-up in their respective competitions-and moving the three matches to Saudi Arabia, the whole thing has become a glisteningly slimy exemplar of world soccer's insatiable greed"
"During Thursday's match, with Vinícius hanging around Real's left wing-the side closer to the Atlético sideline-Simeone was caught talking shit in the Brazilian's direction. Cameras captured Simeone telling Vinicius that "Florentino [Pérez, Real Madrid's club president] is going to get rid of you, remember what I'm saying to you." (Vinícius's current contract ends in 2027, and talks about an extension have reportedly stalled amidst the winger's poor run of form, which now extends to 16 straight appearances without a goal.)"
The Supercopa de España is a four-team knockout played in Saudi Arabia after a 2020 format change, replacing the traditional one-game match between league and cup winners. The overseas staging turned the competition into a lucrative example of global soccer commercialization. The tournament still produces dramatic moments despite its tinpot reputation. In the Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid semifinal, Atlético manager Diego Simeone taunted Real winger Vinícius Júnior, warning that club president Florentino Pérez would get rid of him. Vinícius's contract expires in 2027 and extension talks have stalled amid a 16-game scoreless run. The uncertain hierarchy among stars like Vinícius, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappé may be contributing to team struggles.
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