Argentine striker Julián Álvarez lit up the Metropolitan again on October 24, 2026, scoring the only goal of the match against Deportivo de A Coruña and, at the same time, delivering a message of reconciliation to the Atlético de Madrid fans. Speaking to Movistar, before the journalist asked him his first question, Álvarez apologized for his comments during the 2026 World Cup, in which he had expressed his desire to leave the club. “It was a mistake on my part, both in the way and at the time,” he explained, acknowledging the anger he caused among the fans and thanking them for the support received over the years.
The goal, scored 10 seconds into the second half, was the Argentine's second of the season and his first in the League. His first goal came in the Champions League against Stuttgart, while his second came in the League against Deportivo. Furthermore, Álvarez was a key player in Atlético's 1‑0 victory over Espanyol, when the striker scored the winning goal in the final minutes of the match. Since his arrival at the club in 2021, the player has scored 51 goals in 41 games, contributing decisively to 19 wins and six draws, and was instrumental in the Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad, where the team lost in the penalty shootout.
Álvarez's return to good standing within the team came after a period of uncertainty. In June 2026, during the Argentine national team's qualifying phase, the striker expressed his desire to transfer, which sparked rumors about a possible departure for Barcelona. However, the red and white club did not accept the Catalan's offer and, after the closing of the summer market, Álvarez's permanence was confirmed on September 1. The player also faced a series of injuries and muscle overloads that prevented him from participating in several matches during the season, including matches against Sevilla, Real Sociedad and Osasuna.
Atlético's president, Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, confirmed in August that the club was committed to supporting Álvarez in his recovery process and getting the most out of him. “We are going to continue taking care of him so that he can give us his full potential,” he stated, underlining the importance of the forward for European competition. Coach Diego Simeone also praised the player's evolution, highlighting his physical improvement and his positive attitude in recent games.
With the season still underway, Atlético de Madrid seeks to consolidate its position in the league and the Champions League. The presence of Julián Álvarez, both in the attack and in the team's morale, will be crucial to achieving the club's objectives. The striker, who has demonstrated his ability to score decisive goals, is preparing to continue competing for everything in the upcoming matches.