Julian Alvarez ends six-month goal drought in Champions League
Atletico forward Julian Alvarez scored his first goal in six months to secure a draw against Stuttgart in the Champions League.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: AnatolyPm
Julian Alvarez has ended his six-month goal drought, finding the net to secure a draw for Atletico Madrid against Stuttgart in the Champions League.
The match began difficultly for the Spanish side as Jamie Leweling opened the scoring in the 36th minute. Alvarez equalized after the break, converting a cross from Ademola Lookman. Despite playing the final half-hour with ten men following Morten Hjulmand's red card, Atletico managed to hold on for the result.
«I was sure the goal would come. We made it 1:1, but couldn't continue the game as we wanted due to the sending-off, which affected us. The red card was fair. I always tell the guys: every time you leave the pitch [playing roughly], you are close to a red card». Diego Simeone
The goal carries significant psychological weight for Alvarez following a challenging summer and a quiet start to the season. His teammate Alejandro Grimaldo expressed full support for the Argentine:
«In recent games, he has been creating many chances. He is our best player. He needed this goal, and we hope it will be the first of many for him this year». Alejandro Grimaldo
Following this draw, Atletico Madrid holds four points and sits 15th in the Champions League table. A tough test awaits the team in November as they prepare to face Bayern Munich.