Julian Alvarez extends his scoring influence against Barcelona as Atletico Madrid strike early

Barcelona were caught cold as Atletico Madrid opened the scoring in their highly anticipated La Liga meeting at the Metropolitano.

Giuliano Simeone put the home side ahead after converting a precise assist from fellow Argentina international Julian Alvarez, giving Atletico a rapid start in the round 12 fixture.

The move began when Alvarez sent a low cross into the penalty area. Simeone timed his run from behind perfectly, sprinted into the space and finished into the net, prompting loud celebrations from the Atletico supporters.

The goal also highlighted Alvarez’s outstanding record against Barcelona since joining Atletico Madrid. Spanish newspaper AS pointed to the Catalan club as the forward’s most productive opponent in terms of goal contributions.

“Julian Alvarez has contributed to seven goals against Barcelona in 10 matches in all competitions in an Atletico Madrid shirt, scoring four goals and providing three assists. That is his highest number of goal contributions against any opponent,” the newspaper reported.

Opta’s statistics also placed Barcelona at the top of the list of teams against whom Alvarez has made the most goal contributions for Atletico Madrid in all competitions. His total against them stands at seven, made up of four goals and three assists.

Tottenham and Real Madrid occupy joint second place, with Alvarez having contributed to five goals against each club.

Against Tottenham, the Argentina forward has scored three times and supplied two assists. His record against Real Madrid comprises four goals and one assist.

The list also includes Valladolid, Real Betis and Rayo Vallecano, against whom Alvarez has recorded four goal contributions apiece.

He has scored three goals and provided one assist in matches against Valladolid. His record against Real Betis is two goals and two assists, while all four of his contributions against Rayo Vallecano have come through goals.

The La Liga schedule shown alongside the match details includes Barcelona against Villarreal and Getafe against Atletico Madrid on 22 November 2026.