Álvarez hits historic Champions League milestone for Atlético | OneFootball

Julián Álvarez has been Atlético Madrid’s standout performer in this season’s Champions League, with the Argentine forward playing a key role in their push towards a potential return to the final. Thanks largely to his form, Atlético remain firmly in the tie against Arsenal after a 1-1 draw in the first leg, where Álvarez was once again on the scoresheet.

The 26-year-old has really stepped up on Europe’s biggest stage. His goal in the semi-final first leg took him to 10 Champions League strikes this season, making him the first Atlético player ever to hit double figures in a single campaign in the competition. 

Álvarez now sits level with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Anthony Gordon on 10 goals, placing him third in the scoring charts. Only Harry Kane, with 12, and Kylian Mbappé, who leads the way with 15, are ahead of him.

It’s not his most productive season overall yet, but it could still become that. Across 48 games this term, the former Manchester City striker has 20 goals and nine assists, edging closer to his best-ever season, which was last season with 29 goals and eight assists.

What stands out is how often he delivers in big moments. He scored three in the last-16 tie against Tottenham, found the net against Barcelona in the quarter-finals.

Since arriving in Madrid, Álvarez has racked up 17 goals and five assists in 29 Champions League appearances, already moving into second place on Atlético’s all-time European scoring list behind Antoine Griezmann.

Atlético's top scorers in a single Champions League season