Julián Álvarez’s moment as Atlético chase a fourth Champions League final | OneFootball

Atlético head to the Emirates one goal from a fourth Champions League final, 10 years after their third. The first leg finished 1-1 at the Metropolitano, with Julián Álvarez scoring a penalty before twisting an ankle. His involvement in London is not in doubt.

According to Superdeporte, Diego Simeone’s persistence and the player’s view that Erling Haaland blocked his progress helped seal a near 90 million euros move in 2024, second only to Joao Félix’s 120 million. He had scored 18 the previous season for Manchester City despite not being a regular under Guardiola.

Álvarez adapted quickly to Simeone’s demands. He has 20 goals and nine assists this season, fewer than the 29 and eight of his first campaign in Madrid. In Europe he has 10 goals and four assists in 14 games, behind Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane.

League returns have been checked by rotation. Since eight February his only La Liga start came in the 22 March Bernabéu derby, and he has not featured in the last five league matches, all wedged between the Copa del Rey final and two Champions ties.

He has been linked with Barça and Arsenal. Despite a 500 million euro clause and a contract to 2030, Atlético are weighing a pay rise to deter suitors, with Antoine Griezmann’s confirmed MLS move amplifying his importance. Simeone said Álvarez, Sorloth and Giuliano are improving and that he would decide in the morning who starts, adding that Álvarez knows English football well and shone in the first leg.

Source: Superdeporte