Atletico Madrid have long suffered heartbreak at the hands of city rivals Real Madrid in European competition, but they are hoping Julian Alvarez can change the narrative.
The Argentine forward, signed from Manchester City last summer, has quickly become Atletico’s main attacking threat and will spearhead their attack on Tuesday in the Champions League last-16 clash at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Atletico have endured a painful history against Real Madrid in the Champions League, having reached three finals without ever lifting the trophy.
Two of those losses came against their bitter rivals—first in 2014, when they fell in extra time, and again in 2016, when they lost on penalties.
Real Madrid also eliminated them in the 2015 quarterfinals and the 2017 semifinals, reinforcing their dominance. Their only other European Cup meeting was in 1959, when, after a drawn semifinal tie, Real Madrid triumphed in a play-off before going on to win a fourth consecutive title.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side remain the kings of the competition, boasting a record 15 Champions League titles and currently holding the trophy.
Meanwhile, Atletico were knocked out by Borussia Dortmund in last year’s quarterfinals, capping off a disappointing campaign.
In response, Diego Simeone’s team made a major statement in the transfer market by signing Alvarez for €85 million, hoping the 25-year-old could be the player to lead them to long-awaited European glory.
“He has everything a player needs to play for Atletico Madrid, and for many years to come,” Simeone said after Alvarez scored twice in a crucial group-stage win over Bayer Leverkusen.
The forward has been in blistering form, netting nine goals in his last 13 matches and 21 in 40 games overall this season. His talent was on display in February’s 1-1 league draw at the Bernabeu, where he coolly slotted in a Panenka penalty against Real Madrid.
Alvarez has struck up a strong partnership with Antoine Griezmann, leaving fellow forwards Alexander Sorloth and Angel Correa largely on the bench.
Despite having star names, Simeone has consistently emphasised that Atletico’s squad depth is their greatest asset.
On Saturday, Alvarez came off the bench to score the only goal in a 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao, sending Atletico temporarily top of La Liga before Barcelona reclaimed the lead the following day.
Alvarez is known for his intelligent movement, clinical finishing, tireless work rate, and ability to link play.
Athletic Bilbao striker Iñaki Williams praised him, saying, “Every move he gets involved in, he improves.”
At Atletico, where effort and intensity are non-negotiable, Alvarez has already proven to be the ideal fit, displaying the dedication Simeone demands from his squad.
Despite arriving as a World Cup winner with Argentina and a Champions League and Premier League champion with Manchester City, Alvarez remains humble and hardworking. His commitment makes him a far better fit for Atletico than Joao Felix, the club’s record signing, who failed to meet expectations before being sold to Chelsea.
Alvarez also has his point to prove after being left on the bench for Manchester City’s Champions League final victory over Inter Milan last season.
“I didn’t get to play in the final, and I didn’t feature much in the semifinals,” he admitted. “Something inside me told me that I needed a different challenge, to look for something new.”
Now, with Atletico, he has found that challenge—and he is determined to help them finally overcome Real Madrid on the grandest stage of European football.
