Julian Alvarez scored his 23rd goal for Atletico Madrid in a spectacular way against Rivals Real Madrid during the first stage of the Champions League round of 16.
The Argentina International was fed past Los Blancos -midfielder Eduardo Camavinga on the left wing to unleash a strike that Thibaut Courtois left without any chance, a little later.
Alvarez looked quickly before he became right on the upper right corner in the 32nd minute of the game.
The astonishing goal of the 25-year-old, however, was not enough to win against their fierce rivals in Santiago Bernabeu.
The red and whites were in a challenging situation after Rodrygo led with another masterpiece in just the fourth minute of the game, after an assist from Federico Valverde.
Although it seemed as if Atletico won control of the match after the strike of Alvarez, they gave another from Brahim Diaz – who replaced Jude Bellingham – at the start of the second half.
This season's victory in Bernabeu is marking the first victory of Los Blancos in Atletico Madrid, after two previous 1-1 draw in LaLiga.
The rivals met only a month ago, when Kylian Mbappe scored in the second half in response to Alvarez's penalty 15 minutes earlier.
Atletico and Real are currently both behind the League leaders Barcelona in Laliga classification, with one and three points respectively.
They are planned to face each other at least once in the second stage of the round of 16 in the Metropolitano on March 12.
In addition, the rivals were able to share the field on another occasion at the end of April if both are eligible for the Copa del Rey final.
While Atletico established a 4-4 draw against Barcelona in the first stage, Los Blancos Real Sociedad beat 1-0 in a complicated match in Reale Arena.
In the meantime, Alvarez has found his ideal team and enjoys a remarkable season under the management of Diego Simeone.
Despite the battle at the start of the season, the 25-year-old has settled as a strong starter next to Antoine Griezmann in the attacking line.
He joined the Laliga Bronze Medal Holders in the summer of 2024 for a fee of £ 81 million from Manchester City.
The Argentina International signed a six -year -old deal after the player was supposed to keep it specific to Pep Guardiola.
However, the Spaniard was willing to hold Alvarez, which was often used in different positions, except for its natural and striker.
The citizens succeeded in replacing the Argentinian in the transfer star of January by signing Omar Marmoush of Eintracht Frankfurt for £ 63 million.
Comments