Back in the squad for San Mames
Two of Atletico Madrid’s first three La Liga games passed without Julian Alvarez in the squad. That ends this weekend.
Diego Simeone confirmed on Friday, on the eve of the trip to Athletic Bilbao, that the Argentina striker is back in the group. The exclusions were never about form. They were about a summer soaked in speculation.
“He’s training really well. He’ll be in the squad, and I expect the best from him, as I do from all his team-mates,” El Cholo said. Kick-off at San Mames is Saturday, 16:15.
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El Cholo goes off script
Simeone did not stop at team selection.
“I’m very clear: for me, life is full of opportunities. And Julian now has the chance to sort out his life. We often spend our time judging other people, and we need to do that less and learn more. I hope this has taught him a lesson.”
He also nodded to Paulo Futre. The Portuguese great, an Atletico idol from another era, had posted a video the day before telling Alvarez to reply the only way a striker can: put the ball in the net. Simeone borrowed the line. Calling a player out and firing him up inside the same 30 seconds is what he has done for 15 years on that bench.
The summer that left a bruise
Alvarez stayed. Atletico had to refuse first.
Barcelona chased him for weeks and Joan Laporta went on the record about a bid nudging 100 M€. Madrid did not move an inch on it, which makes sense when you remember what he cost. Signed from Manchester City in the summer of 2024, Alvarez is still the most expensive player the Rojiblancos have ever bought.
He is 26. A world champion in 2022, with River Plate, City and Atletico already on the CV, he has walked through rough patches before. This one has a different texture.
Atletico need goals from him. Three matchdays decide nothing in Spain. The door is open again, and Saturday evening in Bilbao is where Alvarez gets to answer.
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