Julián Álvarez Scores as Atlético Madrid Close Gap on Barcelona

Posted : 25 October 2026

Julián Álvarez continued his return to form by scoring the decisive goal in Atlético Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Deportivo La Coruña on Saturday, bringing them within two points of La Liga leaders Barcelona. The Argentine striker also apologised to Atlético supporters for attempting to leave the club during the summer transfer window.

Atlético, coached by Diego Simeone, sit second in the standings ahead of Barcelona’s meeting with third-placed Real Madrid in Sunday’s El Clásico at Camp Nou.

Álvarez scored for the second consecutive match after opening his account for the season in Atlético’s 1-1 Champions League draw against Stuttgart in midweek.

The forward had faced criticism from Atlético supporters at the start of the campaign following his attempt to leave the club during the summer. However, tensions have gradually eased as he works to regain his best form.

Following Saturday’s victory, Álvarez acknowledged the fans’ frustration and admitted that his actions had been a mistake.

“I understand people's anger, I would have been angry too,” he told Movistar, apologising for the situation and expressing gratitude for the support he had received from his teammates.

Simeone welcomed the striker’s apology, praising his willingness to acknowledge the situation and stressing his importance to Atlético’s ambitions.

The coach said apologising was not easy and expressed happiness that Álvarez had taken that step, adding that Atlético would need the Argentina international performing at a high level to achieve the goals their supporters expect.

Goalkeeper Jan Oblak also backed Álvarez to rebuild his relationship with the fans, highlighting his effort and quality while expressing confidence that the supporters would gradually embrace him again.

Álvarez broke the deadlock early in the second half, finishing a dangerous low delivery from Alejandro Grimaldo at the far post. The goal rewarded Atlético’s improved performance after a sluggish first half in which Deportivo had created the clearest opportunity, forcing Oblak into an important save against Lorenzo Amatucci.

The Argentine forward nearly scored again following a slick attacking move, but Deportivo goalkeeper Leo Román denied his attempted chip with his face. Álvarez looked closer to his best form after struggling with fitness issues earlier in the campaign.

The striker said he was beginning to feel better and thanked his teammates for standing by him during a difficult period. He added that he remained focused on improving his performances and helping Atlético achieve their objectives.

Deportivo threatened late on, with Kevin Sánchez missing two promising opportunities in stoppage time. Oblak admitted that Atlético had struggled at times and acknowledged that his team had benefited from some good fortune.

Mikautadze Strikes Late as Villarreal Beat Valencia

Earlier, Georges Mikautadze scored a stoppage-time winner as Villarreal came from behind to defeat Valencia 2-1 in a heated regional derby at Mestalla.

Valencia took the lead through Pepelu’s first-half penalty, but Villarreal responded in the 69th minute when American defender Alex Freeman headed home the equaliser.

The match became increasingly tense after Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye was sent off for striking José Gayà in the face with his elbow. Valencia midfielder Harvey Elliott, on loan from Liverpool, was subsequently dismissed after receiving two quick yellow cards for apparent dissent.

Despite both teams being reduced to 10 players, Villarreal continued to search for a winner. Mikautadze eventually settled the contest in stoppage time, racing through on goal before finishing clinically to secure all three points.

The victory lifted Villarreal into mid-table, while Valencia remained 19th and in the relegation zone, leaving them with further work to do to improve their position in La Liga.

Julián Álvarez Scores as Atlético Madrid Close Gap on Barcelona

Mikautadze Strikes Late as Villarreal Beat Valencia

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