Julián Alvarez faces Barcelona in a match that could define his life

Julián Alvarez is approaching a match this Sunday that Spanish media have described as the game of his life. Atlético de Madrid host Barcelona at the Metropolitano with the lead at stake. The occasion comes after the forward has already won a World Cup, a Copa América, a Copa Libertadores and a Champions League, and played in several major finals during his career.

The fixture will also be Barcelona’s first visit since the club tried to sign the forward last summer. A few weeks earlier, Barcelona had offered Atlético 90 million euros, plus 10 million in add-ons, with payment spread over six years.

Atlético chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín ruled out a transfer. “We want to keep counting on him. We do not want to transfer him, and we will not accept an offer of 100, 150 or 200 million for Julián Alvarez,” he said. Despite the club’s firm stance, Alvarez and his entourage later tried to force a departure. A significant part of Atlético’s support has not forgiven him for that episode. Boos are still often heard when the team is announced, although supporters back him when he is on the pitch as an Atlético player.

After a World Cup match, Alvarez had himself raised the possibility of a move, saying: “The best thing for everyone is a transfer; I want to fulfil my dream.” He has since apologised to the supporters and returned to scoring. “I wanted to apologise to our people for my words during the World Cup. I understand their anger; as a fan, I would have been angry too, especially after the way they have backed me all this time. Now I have to focus on working and keep improving my performances with the whole team. So, all that’s left is to work; we have very important things to do,” he said.

The forward is getting back to his best level, but Sunday’s match carries an added significance: he will face the club he said he dreams of playing for. Alvarez has scored four goals in ten appearances against Barcelona while wearing Atlético’s shirt. The meeting therefore brings together a forward whose past actions remain a sensitive issue for some supporters and a club he has said he wants to join.