Julián Álvarez: From Manchester City’s Departure to Atlético Madrid’s Champions League Sensation

Madrid, Spain – When Julián Álvarez made the unexpected move from Manchester City to Atlético Madrid in the summer of 2024, many questioned whether Pep Guardiola had made a costly mistake. Fast forward to the 2024–25 season, and Álvarez has not only silenced his doubters but has also emerged as one of the most efficient center-forwards in the Champions League. With every goal he scores, he reminds City fans of the striking prowess they lost.

A Perfect Fit for Simeone’s System

Atlético Madrid has provided Álvarez with the perfect environment to thrive. Under Diego Simeone, he has transformed into an all-action forward, leading the line with intensity and technical finesse. Unlike at Manchester City, where he often played second fiddle to Erling Haaland, Álvarez is now the main man at Atlético, shouldering the responsibility of scoring crucial goals.

His statistics for the 2024–25 season illustrate his rapid rise to prominence:

• La Liga: 26 appearances, 10 goals
• Copa del Rey: 6 appearances, 5 goals
• Champions League: 9 appearances, 7 goals

This brings his season total to 22 goals across all competitions, making him Atlético’s top scorer.

Champions League Efficiency

What sets Álvarez apart is his incredible efficiency in the Champions League. Averaging a goal every 94.5 minutes, he surpasses renowned strikers such as Kylian Mbappé, Robert Lewandowski, and even Cristiano Ronaldo in terms of scoring frequency. Additionally, an impressive 85.7% of his goals have been decisive, often determining the outcome of matches.

Atlético’s campaign in Europe has been significantly bolstered by his finishing ability, with the Argentine proving to be a nightmare for defenders in high-stakes games. His movement, coupled with his clinical touch in front of goal, has made him an invaluable asset for Simeone’s squad.

Thierry Henry’s Criticism of Guardiola

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has been vocal about Guardiola’s decision to part ways with Álvarez. The Frenchman believes Manchester City underestimated the striker’s potential and let go of a player who could have provided valuable depth behind Haaland.

“Guardiola is a genius, but even the best make mistakes. Letting Álvarez go was one of them,” Henry remarked. “Manchester City’s attack lacks variation, and a player like Álvarez would have given them a different dimension.”

Atlético Fans Embrace Their New Hero

At the Wanda Metropolitano, Álvarez has quickly become a fan favorite. His relentless work rate, pressing ability, and lethal finishing have endeared him to Atlético supporters, who view him as the club’s next great striker. Comparisons have even been drawn to the likes of Fernando Torres and Sergio Agüero, former Atlético forwards who made lasting impacts.

The Penalty Shootout Controversy

Despite his stellar performances, Álvarez’s Champions League journey has not been without controversy. In a crucial knockout clash against Real Madrid, he slipped while taking a penalty, leading to an accidental double touch. The goal was subsequently disallowed by VAR, leading to heated debates over whether UEFA should revisit the rules regarding unintentional double touches.

While the incident cost Atlético the match, it did little to diminish Álvarez’s growing reputation. Many pundits defended him, emphasizing that such incidents are rare and should not define a player’s overall contribution.

Lessons for Manchester City

With Álvarez thriving in Spain, Manchester City may come to regret their decision to sell him. Haaland remains their primary goal threat, but the absence of a versatile backup has left them vulnerable. Injuries or tactical shifts have forced Guardiola to rely on midfielders in attacking roles, exposing a glaring gap in squad depth.

Some reports suggest that City might explore a buy-back option, but given Álvarez’s happiness in Madrid, a return seems unlikely. Atlético fans have no intention of letting their new hero go anytime soon.

Conclusion

Julián Álvarez’s rise at Atlético Madrid serves as a testament to his undeniable talent and determination. While Manchester City grapples with their attacking limitations, Atlético celebrates the arrival of a striker who could define their success in the coming years. As the Champions League campaign progresses, Álvarez will be keen to prove that City made a fatal error in underestimating his potential.

With his performances speaking louder than words, one thing is clear: Atlético Madrid’s gain is indeed Manchester City’s loss.