Diego Simeone fires an ugly taunt at Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, sparking fresh rivalry tension between the two clubs.
Beyond the scoreboard dominance – with Atletico’s ruthless efficiency exposing Hansi Flick’s depleted side – the Argentine coach turned a one-sided affair into a personal spectacle, crossing into unsportsmanlike territory that has Spanish football buzzing.
As Barcelona reeled from VAR controversies and defensive lapses, Simeone’s provocative behaviour targeted their teenage sensation, amplifying the humiliation and setting the stage for a powderkeg second leg.
The flashpoint erupted midway through the first half after Ademola Lookman’s third goal, when Simeone charged down the touchline and jabbed three fingers emphatically at Lamine Yamal – a crude taunt underscoring Atletico’s 3-0 lead, according to images broadcast by El Chiringuito.
TV cameras captured the 55-year-old repeating the gesture as Yamal, Barcelona’s dazzling 18-year-old winger with 12 goals and 15 assists this season, walked by stone-faced.
The Spaniard, fresh off Real Madrid’s mind games, ignored the bait with trademark maturity, but social media exploded with clips branding Simeone’s actions “disgraceful” and “petty.”
Simeone’s notorious touchline persona – from Ronaldo showdowns to Vinicius feuds – makes this feel routine, yet singling out Yamal, La Masia’s crown jewel and Flick’s creative linchpin, crossed a line for many.
Critics slammed it as bullying a prodigy, especially post-Super Cup apology for similar antics.
For Barcelona, stewing over an 8-minute Cubarsí goal disallowance and Giuliano Simeone’s unchallenged Balde tackle, this piled on refereeing woes now bound for RFEF protest.
Yamal’s poise shines brighter amid the noise – in a tie defined by pride, this gesture ensures bad blood lingers long after the whistle.
📸 IMAGEN @elchiringuitotv | GESTO DE SIMEONE A LAMINE.
El argentino le señaló el número 3 con la mano… tras el tercer tanto del Atleti. pic.twitter.com/ZAOnDlFKq6
— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) February 12, 2026
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