Julian Alvarez makes impact but misses key chance as Atletico Madrid lose to Barcelona

Julian Alvarez produced an assist but missed a crucial one-on-one opportunity as Atletico Madrid lost 2-1 to Barcelona on Sunday, leaving the Argentina forward with only a partial answer to questions over his relationship with the club’s supporters.

The match came after Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo publicly challenged Alvarez to prove his value on the pitch. The forward delivered some dangerous moments and created the opening goal, but his missed chances prevented him from becoming the decisive figure Cerezo had called for.

Cerezo had broached the subject before kick-off at the traditional directors’ lunch ahead of major matches.

“Alvarez’s matter was resolved at the time. We said what we had to say, and that was the end of it. There is no need to talk about Julian with Barcelona any more. Today, Julian must prove himself on the pitch. If you say he should be the star of the match, then he will be,” he said.

Asked about the fans’ view of the forward, Cerezo replied: “The supporters are the ones who decide, and if they have something to say, they will say it. But I believe the matter has been completely settled for us.”

When asked whether scoring against Barcelona would be enough for Alvarez to apologise to the supporters, Cerezo raised the expectation further.

“Not one goal, but two goals against Barcelona. Tonight’s match is already a good one, and let us hope the players rise to the occasion,” he said.

Alvarez made an immediate contribution. In the ninth minute, after a fast attacking start from the home side, he sent a precise low cross into the penalty area. Giuliano Simeone arrived from deep and finished to put Atletico Madrid ahead at the Metropolitano.

The assist also extended Alvarez’s notable record against Barcelona since joining Atletico Madrid. According to Opta, he has contributed to seven goals in 10 appearances against them in all competitions for the club, scoring four and providing three assists. Barcelona are therefore the opponent against whom he has produced the most goal contributions for Atletico Madrid.

Alvarez came close to adding another himself. In the 25th minute, he controlled the ball inside the area, went past his opponent and followed up an initial attempt with a low left-footed shot that almost went through Barcelona goalkeeper Juan Garcia’s legs.

His pressing continued to earn recognition from the Atletico Madrid crowd, particularly in the 40th minute, when his pressure put Farinas under serious threat of losing possession.

The clearest opportunity arrived in the 55th minute. Alvarez raced through after receiving a pass behind the Barcelona defence and found himself one-on-one with Juan Garcia. He attempted to lift the ball over the goalkeeper, but the effort sailed well over the crossbar.

He tried again in the 70th minute from the edge of the penalty area, only for young defender Pau Cubarsi to block the shot.

WhoScored gave Alvarez a rating of 6.79. He touched the ball 43 times, completed 78.3% of his passes, registered four shots on target and supplied two key passes.

The figures reflected his attacking involvement, but the missed one-on-one stood out, particularly after Barcelona overturned the deficit to win 2-1. Alvarez created a goal and showed clear threat, yet did not fulfil Cerezo’s demand to be the match’s outstanding player.