Julian Alvarez scored his 23rd goal for Atletico Madrid in spectacular fashion against rivals Real Madrid during the first leg of the Champions League round of 16.
The Argentina international powered past Los Blancos midfielder Eduardo Camavinga on the left wing to unleash a strike that left Thibaut Courtois without any chance just moments later.
Alvarez took a quick look before equalising to the top right corner in the 32nd minute of the game.
However, the 25-year-old’s stunning goal was not enough to secure a victory against their fierce rivals at Santiago Bernabeu.
The Red and Whites found themselves in a challenging situation after Rodrygo gave the lead with another masterpiece in just the fourth minute of the game, following an assist by Federico Valverde.
Although it seemed Atletico regained control of the game after Alvarez’s strike, they conceded another from Brahim Diaz – who replaced suspended Jude Bellingham – at the beginning of the second half.
Julian Alvarez scored a spectacular solo goal against Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League final of 16
The Argentina international dribbled past Eduardo Camavinga to unleash a powerful striker towards top right corner
The victory at Bernabeu marks Los Blancos’ first victory over Atletico Madrid this season, following two previous 1-1 draws in LaLiga.
The rivals met just 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 league leaders Barcelona in LaLiga standings, by one and three points, respectively.
They are scheduled to face each other at least once more in the second leg of the round of 16 at the Metropolitano on March 12.
Additionally, the rivals could share the pitch on another occasion in late April if both qualify for the Copa del Rey final.
While Atletico settled a 4-4 draw against Barcelona in the first leg, Los Blancos beat Real Sociedad by 1-0 in a complicated game at Reale Arena.
Meanwhile, Alvarez has found his ideal team and is enjoying a remarkable season under Diego Simeone’s management.
Despite struggles at the beginning of the season, the 25-year-old has established himself as a strong starter alongside Antoine Griezmann in the attacking line.
However, his stunning goal was not enough to secure a victory against their fierce rivals as Atletico suffered a 2-1 defeat following Brahim Diaz’s winner in the second half
Alvarez joined the LaLiga bronze medal holders in the summer of 2024 for £81million
It is understood that Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was keen to keep the 25-year-old player in his squad
He joined the LaLiga bronze medal holders in the summer of 2024 for a fee of £81million from Manchester City.
The Argentina international signed a six-year deal after the player was believed to be specifically keen on leaving Pep Guardiola’s side.
However, the Spaniard was willing to keep hold of Alvarez, who was often used in various positions besides his natural as a striker.
The Citizens managed to replace the Argentine in the January transfer window by signing Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt for £63m.
