Can Julian Alvarez End Atletico Madrid Heartbreak against Real Madrid?

Julian Alvarez has been vital for Atletico Madrid, scoring 21 goals in 40 games this season. He impressed with a Panenka penalty in a 1-1 La Liga derby and a winner against Athletic Bilbao. With nine goals in his last 13 matches, can he finally help Atletico overcome Real Madrid in the Champions League?

For the first time in years, Atletico Madrid hopes to break their European curse against Real Madrid, with Julian Alvarez as their key weapon. The Argentine forward, signed from Manchester City for €85 million, has quickly become Atletico’s main attacking threat.

Alvarez has scored 21 goals in 40 games this season, including nine in his last 13 matches. His chemistry with Antoine Griezmann has made him indispensable, pushing other strikers like Alexander Sorloth and Angel Correa to the bench. In February, he showcased his composure with a Panenka penalty in a 1-1 La Liga draw against Real Madrid.

Historically, Atletico has suffered heartbreak against their city rivals in the Champions League, losing the 2014 and 2016 finals and being eliminated in 2015 and 2017. They also lost a semi-final playoff in 1959. This season, Alvarez is seen as a difference-maker, similar to past impactful signings like Luis Suarez and David Villa.

Despite winning the 2023 Champions League with Man City, Alvarez played little in the later stages, motivating him to seek a bigger role. Now, under Diego Simeone, he embodies Atletico’s intense playing style and aims to rewrite history when they face Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16.