Atlético: Fans Reject Julián Álvarez

The Argentine striker Julián Álvarez was booed by Atlético Madrid supporters during the LaLiga match against Villarreal in Matchday 3. Although he did not start the game, the player was met with boos and whistles when he entered and left the pitch, and coach Simeone said the club asked him to stay away from the usual greeting with teammates.

Fans’ Reaction at the Metropolitano

On August 25, Atlético Madrid returned to competition after a failed transfer to Barcelona. In LaLiga Matchday 3, the red-and-white side faced Villarreal at the Metropolitano and finished 1-1. Julián Álvarez, who had been signed the previous season, was not in the starting XI but was on the bench.

When the referee blew the opening whistle, the fans greeted the players with cheers and whistles. However, when Álvarez’s name was called, the supporters responded with boos and whistles of rejection. Several cameras captured the moment the Argentine sat on his bench, looking lost but unshaken.

Entry onto the Pitch and Second Wave of Booing

At the 66th minute, coach Diego Simeone substituted Marc Pubill and Koke with Julián Álvarez and Marcos Llorente. The Argentine returned to the field, but the fans’ reaction remained the same: boos and whistles continued, and chants of "Fuera" echoed in the stands.

Club Decision and Álvarez’s Exit

After the match, Álvarez did not approach the fans to greet them with his teammates, as the club had instructed. Simeone explained that "the club decided he should not approach the fans with his teammates. The decision was not made by Julián Álvarez; it was the club that decided to keep him apart and send him to the dressing room."

The striker went to the dressing room alone, avoiding contact with the crowd. This measure was taken to prevent trouble with the angry stands, which had shown their displeasure throughout the game. Atlético Madrid continues to handle the situation cautiously.

Transfer Context and Club Relationship

Álvarez’s 2023 signing was one of the most debated transfers in the European market. The Spanish club had refused to release the Argentine, creating tensions between the player and the supporters. The fans’ reaction at the Metropolitano reflects their frustration with the club’s lack of commitment to the player.

Atlético Madrid will keep evaluating Álvarez’s situation, while the supporters maintain their rejection, adding pressure on the club’s board and Simeone’s coaching staff.