Alvarez’s unexpected place in Barcelona line-up explained before Atletico defeat

A video showing Atletico forward Julian Alvarez walking on to the pitch alongside Barcelona players before their La Liga meeting has caused widespread confusion.

The Argentina international appeared to enter Riyadh Air Metropolitano in the line formed by Barcelona, rather than joining his Atletico team-mates.

The moment took place before Sunday’s match between the two sides, which Barcelona won 2-1.

ESPN shared footage of both teams emerging from the tunnel on Facebook, captioning it: “Julian Alvarez accidentally found himself on the other side and walked on to the pitch with Barcelona players.”

However, the clip also showed Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez entering the pitch with the Atletico players, suggesting the unusual line-up was not simply the result of Alvarez making a mistake.

According to Argentine outlet Deportes 24, the players had been asked by the referee to mix together while waiting in the tunnel before the teams went on to the field.

The report, published on X, said the arrangement was made as a tribute to Jesus de Miguel, who had died a few days earlier.

That explanation offers a different context to the footage, which had initially led to speculation that Alvarez had accidentally joined Barcelona’s procession.

Alvarez had been linked with a move to Barcelona during the previous summer transfer window. Atletico, however, refused to open negotiations with the Catalan club over a possible transfer.

The forward therefore remained with Atletico and faced Barcelona in the La Liga fixture at Riyadh Air Metropolitano, where the visitors secured a 2-1 victory.