Simeone provokes Yamal amid Atletico's domination over Barca

In the midst of Atletico Madrid's overwhelming control against Barcelona, coach Diego Simeone made a notable move targeting Lamine Yamal.

The first leg of the Spanish King's Cup semi-final showcased Atletico Madrid's commanding display against FC Barcelona. Within just the first half, Simeone's team built a significant lead, securing a strong advantage ahead of the second leg in Catalonia.

Not only impressing with their superior gameplay, Simeone also caught eyes by engaging in a provocative gesture aimed at Lamine Yamal. When Atletico was leading 3-0, the Argentine coach held up three fingers toward Barca's young talent, emphasizing their lead on the scoreboard. This moment quickly spread on social media and sparked mixed reactions.

Yamal is known for his strong personality in big matches. Previously, the Barca youngster has faced criticism for actions viewed as "provocative" toward opponents, especially in games against Real Madrid. Even some Spanish national teammates like Dani Carvajal have expressed disagreement with his behavior.

On the pitch, Atletico needed only 45 minutes to dismantle Barcelona's defensive setup. Individual defensive errors caused the visitors to pay an early price, before the home side's attack relentlessly punished them with quick combinations and clinical finishes. The one-sided match left Barca almost helpless in the opening half.

Nevertheless, the situation is not entirely decided. The second leg will take place in Catalonia, where Barcelona must secure a big win to keep their hopes alive. However, given the large deficit and Atletico's current form, a comeback for coach Hansi Flick's team is considered extremely challenging.