Manchester United faced Julián Álvarez again in the Champions League, after the defeat that the Argentine suffered in the English Cup final against the same rival. The duel, which took place on May 25, 2024 at the Metropolitano, marked the last game that the forward played with Manchester City before his transfer to Atlético de Madrid. In that match, City lost 2‑1 to United, with goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobie Mainoo, and Álvarez, who had come on in the 55th minute to replace Kevin De Bruyne, was unable to change the result.
With 103 games, 36 goals and 19 assists in three years under the direction of Pep Guardiola, Álvarez's departure left an important mark on the English club. His signing for Atlético de Madrid, motivated in part by his desire to play for Barcelona and the impossibility of negotiating with the Barça club due to his €500 million clause, generated controversy among fans. Since his arrival, the Argentine striker has sought to prove his worth, although his only full starting appearance to date ended in a 2‑1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.
Atlético de Madrid, led by Diego Simeone, has shown confidence in Álvarez's potential. After the 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at the Metropolitano, Simeone praised the player's dedication and highlighted his ability to associate with the team, in addition to his assisting skills. “Forwards of Julián's stature need goals, but they are also team players who can contribute in other areas,” commented the coach. The coach stressed the need to have quality forwards to achieve the titles that the fans demand, and stated that the club has a player capable of meeting those expectations.
In the Champions League, Álvarez has been a key element for Atlético. With 17 goals in 26 matches in the tournament, and 12 of them in the last 22 matches, his performance has been outstanding. Globally, the striker has scored 49 goals in 111 games in all competitions, although he has not yet scored this season. His physical absence in the first games is due to a late preseason and the pressure he experienced after the 2026 World Cup final, which has affected his pace of play.
Atlético de Madrid's next match in the Champions League is presented as an opportunity for Álvarez to demonstrate his ability to score in crucial moments. With an eye on qualification and the possibility of advancing to the final stages, the club and its supporters hope that the Argentine striker will find his best form and contribute decisively to the team's success in European competition.