Robin LeNormand, defender of Atlético de Madrid, praised JuliánÁlvarez's apology after his controversial statement during the 2026 World Cup, in which he asked to leave the red and white club. The French player stated that Álvarez's words of forgiveness "speak very well of him, he is a great footballer and a great person", and that the forward has shown the quality he possesses in the 1-0 match against Deportivo de La Coruña.
The match, held at the Metropolitano on Saturday, was a challenge for Atlético, who barely achieved victory thanks to the performance of their goalkeeper JanOblák. LeNormand commented that the team “suffered to win,” but that the final result showed the energy and commitment of the players. “We could have closed the game earlier,” he admitted, pointing out that the second half was decisive and that the team “came out more energized” to control the game.
Regarding the dynamics of the match, the defender highlighted that the first half was dominated by Deportivo, who “played well” and “had the ball.” However, according to LeNormand, Atlético “lacked a little intensity in the duels” and “we had to have the ball and not them.” The second phase of the match, in which the Madrid team was more compact and effective, allowed the score to be consolidated and the team to obtain the victory.
The French player also made reference to the last time that Deportivo was dominant at the beginning of the season, but that Atlético managed to reverse the situation thanks to the solidity of the defense and the punctuality of the goal. “The second half was excellent,” he stated, highlighting the improvement in the team's organization and response capacity.
With the victory, Atlético de Madrid advances in the table and maintains its medium-term objectives. LeNormand concluded that, after the episode with JuliánÁlvarez, the club must move forward with “all the energy” to achieve its goals. Atlético's defense remains hopeful that the team will continue its campaign with the same intensity and discipline that it showed in the match against Deportivo.