Atletico Madrid’s European journey has been one of heartbreak and near-misses, especially when facing their city rivals, Real Madrid. Over the years, they have suffered devastating defeats in the UEFA Champions League, including two final losses in 2014 and 2016. As they prepare for another showdown against Real Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16, the arrival of Julian Alvarez has sparked hope among fans and management alike. Atletico Madrid signed Alvarez from Manchester City for €85 million last summer, believing that his talent, work ethic, and finishing ability could be the missing piece to help them break the long-standing curse against their biggest rivals.
Since his arrival, Alvarez has become an essential figure in Diego Simeone’s squad. His contributions in attack have been nothing short of exceptional, with nine goals in his last 13 matches and 21 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions. His ability to score in crucial moments has made him one of the most reliable players for Atletico Madrid this season. The Argentine forward has already shown his composure against Real Madrid, scoring a Panenka penalty in a 1-1 La Liga derby draw at the Santiago Bernabeu in February. His growing partnership with Antoine Griezmann has further strengthened Atletico’s attack, creating a formidable duo capable of challenging any defense in Europe.