Julián Alvarez’s Atlético redemption arc in full focus for visit of Barcelona

Atlético Madrid’s home match against Barcelona on Sunday could decide who sits top of the Spanish league, while also giving Julián Alvarez a chance to repair his relationship with Atlético supporters. The striker had publicly expressed a wish to join Barcelona, prompting boos from his own fans after Atlético refused to sell him; now he faces the club he hoped to join.

Alvarez apologised for how and when he spoke about leaving, saying he understood the supporters’ anger, though he did not say he no longer wanted to depart. After scoring against Stuttgart on 20 October, he scored again four days later in a 1-0 win over Deportivo A Coruña. He has started five of Atlético’s last eight games and scored twice, while Barcelona have reshaped their attack without signing him, with Raphinha taking on the central striking role.