Julian Alvarez was subjected to loud boos from Atletico Madrid supporters during a dramatic 2-2 draw with Villarreal on Sunday, amid growing speculation over the striker’s future at the Spanish club.
The Argentine forward was jeered while warming up and again when his name was announced among the substitutes. The hostility intensified when he came on in the 66th minute.
A section of Atletico supporters later chanted for Alvarez to leave the club, following reports linking him with a possible transfer to Barcelona and Arsenal.
Atletico appeared to be heading for defeat after defender Robin Le Normand was sent off in the 76th minute for bringing down Georges Mikautadze inside the penalty area.
Mikautadze converted the resulting penalty to put Villarreal ahead and leave Atletico facing the prospect of losing after being reduced to 10 men.
However, the hosts responded with a late counterattack to rescue a point. Alex Baena released Giuliano Simeone down the right, and Diego Simeone’s son kept his composure to produce a delicate finish beyond Villarreal goalkeeper Luiz Junior.
The late equaliser sparked relief among the home supporters and secured Atletico a 2-2 draw despite the numerical disadvantage.
The tension surrounding Alvarez continued after the final whistle. While Atletico players remained on the pitch to acknowledge the supporters, Alvarez headed directly to the dressing room and was met with another round of boos.
Atletico manager Diego Simeone confirmed that the club had instructed the striker to avoid approaching the stands after the match.
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“The club decided he should not go near the stands or the fans,” Simeone told reporters. “It was the club’s decision to keep him away and separate him, so he could go to the locker room.”
Simeone declined to offer specific advice to Alvarez, insisting that his priority remained achieving Atletico’s sporting objectives.
The Atletico manager has repeatedly defended Alvarez despite the growing criticism from supporters. Simeone said he did not agree with insults directed at the forward and described him as an important player for the club’s ambitions.
“Julian is a hugely important player for achieving the goals we have as a team. We need him, we’re going to look after him,” he said.
The coach added that Atletico would continue to support Alvarez as long as he remained an Atletico player. Alvarez’s future has become a major talking point following reports linking him with a move away from Atletico.
The striker previously revealed that he had spoken with the club about a possible transfer in order to “fulfil my dream”, with Barcelona heavily linked with a potential move in Spanish media reports. Reports have also linked the Argentine with English champions Arsenal.
Simeone had confirmed before the Villarreal match that Alvarez would return to the squad after missing Atletico’s opening victory over Malaga while continuing to build his fitness following his post-World Cup holiday.
“He’s going to be included in the squad list tomorrow, and he’s doing better,” Simeone said. “Obviously, he’s still getting up to speed, like all his teammates.”
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick was also questioned about the club’s reported interest in Alvarez but declined to discuss players contracted to other teams.
With the transfer speculation continuing and Atletico fans increasingly divided over Alvarez’s future, the forward’s position at the club remains one of the major stories surrounding the Spanish side.
Al Jazeera
