Julian Alvarez

Pat Nevin says Chelsea will look to sell a player they signed last year - and tipped one Premier League rival as the 'right fit' for him.

After scoring against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League, Julian Alvarez spoke about the influence of Lionel Messi. Julian Alvarez scored a stunning free kick goal for Atletico Madrid against Barcelona this Wednesday, opening the scoring for his side in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Afterward, the Argentine forward credited Lionel Messi as his inspiration. “When I’m with the national team, I always take time to watch how he does it, and then I try to replicate his technique in training sessions and matches here at Atletico,” Alvarez said in the postgame press conference following the 2-0 win, according to Infobae. That goal broke the deadlock at Camp Nou, allowing Atletico Madrid to take the lead late in the first half and play with greater composure after the break. Eventually, Alexander Sorloth doubled the advantage, setting up a more favorable second leg next week. Reflecting on his free kick, Julian added: “Many times, when you strike the ball, you can tell right away it’s a good hit. I felt that, and even before taking it, I was very focused and confident. Yesterday I practiced and took five or six, but didn’t score any — what mattered was today.” Absolute brilliance from Julián Álvarez 😮‍💨🔥 pic.twitter.com/SeyR3AjDrg — CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 8, 2026 The comparison between Alvarez’s goal and a memorable Messi strike Moments after Julian Alvarez scored for Atletico Madrid, social media was flooded with fans comparing his free kick to one of Lionel Messi’s iconic goals for Barcelona against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League 2018-19 semifinals. There is one obvious difference between the two goals, related to each player’s stronger foot: while Messi scored with his left, Alvarez did so with his right. However, the similarities in the location of the foul, the ball’s trajectory, and the fact that both were struck into the same goal at Camp Nou are striking. 🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Lionel Messi's free kick against Liverpool has been voted as the greatest Free kick in Football history. 🤯🐐pic.twitter.com/TkSeveodD3 — MessiXtra (@MessiXtraHQ) April 8, 2026 “I’ve watched that goal many times — they show it often,” Julian Alvarez admitted in the same interview when asked about the resemblance to Messi’s free kick. However, he noted he hadn’t realized it was scored into the same goal: “I wasn’t aware it had been there.” The teams on the receiving end of Alvarez’s free kicks Against Barcelona, Julian Alvarez scored the seventh free kick goal of his career. This season, he had already netted two others, one of which came in a key match — a 5-2 victory over Real Madrid in the Spanish capital derby, played at the Metropolitano Stadium in La Liga. With Atletico Madrid, Alvarez have scored free kick goals against Espanyol, Real Betis and Sparta Prague, while his earlier ones came with Manchester City, against Wolverhampton and Red Star Belgrade. With Argentina, Julian has yet to score from a free kick — a logical outcome considering Lionel Messi is typically the team’s primary taker.

The Atlético Madrid forward revealed how he learned the technique from the Albiceleste captain and what he does to improve it. Leer

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The Atlético Madrid and Argentina striker’s sensational freekick against Barcelona showed that the consummate team player is capable of more Sign up for Jonathan Wilson’s World Cup guide newsletter Julián Alvarez has his detractors, but even they can no longer deny he belongs at the game’s highest levels. Still only 26, the Argentinian striker has an impressive collection of honors: two Premier League titles, a Champions League, a Copa Libertadores, two Copa Américas, a pre-bloat Club World Cup. And oh yeah, the 2022 World Cup and 2023 Champions League, won within in a half-year span. He has been key for many of the teams that won those titles, yet is often cast as a supporting player rather than a star. Those Premier Leagues and the Champions League with Manchester City were more directly (and rightly) credited to Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Rodri. When Argentina snapped their international drought with a Copa, a World Cup, and another Copa for good measure, it was framed almost entirely in the context of Lionel Messi’s legacy.

Julian Alvarez revealed his free-kick against Barcelona was inspired by one scored by Lionel Messi versus Liverpool in 2019. Atletico Madrid defeated Barca 2-0 in their Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday, with Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth securing the win at Camp Nou. After Pau Cubarsi was sent off for a last-man challenge on […] The post Alvarez reveals inspiration from Messi free-kick in Champions League appeared first on Soccer News.

Despite being defeated by Atlético Madrid, Barcelona remain hopeful of overturning the result. In fact, Lamine Yamal has sent a message of encouragement to the Culers, issuing a strong warning to the Colchoneros. Even though Barcelona arrived as clear favorites, Atlético Madrid managed to defeat them 2–0 in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals. Hansi Flick’s team failed to convert the numerous chances they created, leaving Marcus Rashford exposed. Nevertheless, Lamine Yamal has sent a positive message to the Culers, while also issuing a clear warning to the Colchoneros ahead the second leg. After the defeat against the Colchoneros, Lamine Yamal sent a message of encouragement to Barcelona, issuing a warning for the second leg. “This isn’t over, Culers. We’ll give everything in the return match. All united, always,” he posted, via Instagram. With this, the Spaniard prepares himself for an anticipated comeback of a two-goal difference at Riyadh Air Metropolitano in the Champions League. Despite not scoring against Atlético Madrid, Lamine dominated on the pitch, being Barcelona’s most decisive player. He not only shone in dribbling but also constantly created space for his teammates. Nevertheless, Marcus Rashford and Dani Olmo were unable to convert all the opportunities generated by the 18-year-old star, cutting off any offensive possibilities. With Pau Cubarsí’s sending off, the Blaugrana lost full control of the game, conceding a free-kick goal from Julián Álvarez. Despite this, they dominated offensively, having more shots on goal and being the brighter team. For this reason, Hansi Flick’s Barcelona could be aiming for a comeback, relying on greater accuracy in front of goal, which could see the Dani Olmo–Fermín López duo deployed again. Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona is tackled by Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid. Lamine Yamal may need to take a scoring role in Barcelona’s offense Throughout the season, Lamine Yamal has proven to be the key axis of Barcelona’s offense. He is not only decisive in dribbling but also opens up space for his teammates. Nevertheless, the Blaugrana are not at their best in scoring, suffering from dips in form from their forwards, as neither Robert Lewandowski nor Ferran Torres are shining. For this reason, the 18-year-old star will need to take on a more goal-oriented role. Needing to overturn a two-goal deficit, the Blaugrana require scoring power more than ever. For this reason, Fermín López and Dani Olmo could take center stage creatively, while Lamine will need to excel in front of goal. As the team’s top scorer, the 18-year-old star has already shown his scoring ability, so he will need to step up at the forefront on this occasion. Frenkie de Jong’s comeback may prove differential for Barcelona Ahead of the first leg in the Champions League quarterfinals, Hansi Flick had to cope with the difficult absence of Frenkie de Jong in midfield. While Eric García emerged as a decent solution, he was unable to shine offensively, limiting the team’s progression. The Dutchman is set to get playing time against Espanyol, creating significant opportunities to start in the second leg against Atlético Madrid. If Frenkie manages to start in the second leg, the Blaugrana would gain consistency in midfield, as well as an ideal partner for playmaking. This would allow Lamine Yamal and Rashford to receive the ball further up the pitch, creating more opportunities to score and push for a comeback. Nevertheless, Fermín López might need to step up, shining once again offensively, breaking Atlético Madrid’s defense.

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Philippe Auclair, Lars Sivertsen and Sid Lowe after a disappointing Liverpool performance at PSG. On the podcast today: Liverpool are outplayed by PSG from the start, creating almost nothing all game and possibly fortunate to leave Paris only two goals down. Elsewhere, in Barcelona, the whole game changes in a minute. Barcelona were on top before Pau Cubarsi’s red card and a stunning Julián Alvarez free-kick … meaning it’s advantage Atlético for the second leg in Madrid. Plus, there’s a Premier League preview with huge games at the top and the bottom, Fifa’s new partnership and your questions answered.

After more than 20 years of waiting - Atletico Madrid have won at Camp Nou and it was Barca target Julian Alvarez who played a starring role! So - does his performance underline their determination to sign the Argentine? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Pol Ballus and Dermot Corrigan Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Philippe Auclair, Lars Sivertsen and Sid Lowe after a disappointing Liverpool performance at PSG. Subscribe to The Guardian Football Weekly ► https://www.youtube.com/@FootballWeeklyPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 On the podcast today: Liverpool are outplayed by PSG from the start, creating almost nothing all game and possibly fortunate to leave Paris only two goals down. Elsewhere, in Barcelona, the whole game changes in a minute. Barcelona were on top before Pau Cubarsi’s red card and a stunning Julián Alvarez free-kick … meaning it’s advantage Atlético for the second leg in Madrid. Plus, there’s a Premier League preview with huge games at the top and the bottom, Fifa’s new partnership and your questions answered. Chapters: 00:00 - Coming up.. 00:41 - Liverpool avoid a hammering in Paris 20:20 - Sid Lowe on Barca, Atleti and Real 40:52 - Prem preview 52:46 - FIFA's new partner Support the Guardian ► https://support.theguardian.com/ Guardian Football Weekly podcast: Apple ► https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/football-weekly/id188674007 Spotify ► https://open.spotify.com/show/6w8qWe0kjgHEHSWDSDGoLW?si=231c666f7f5a4453 Follow Guardian Football Weekly: Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/guardian_footballweekly/ TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@guardian_footballweekly #footballweekly #football #championsleague #liverpool #psg

Atletico Madrid’s president Enrique Cerezo has shut down transfer interest in star forward Julian Alvarez. Cerezo has stated the Argentine will remain in the capital, not elsewhere in LaLiga …

Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann were the key protagonists, dropping deeper to help Diego Simeone's side to success at Camp Nou

On Wednesday's Football Daily Phil Egan has the key stories from the Champions League and looks ahead to tonight's action in the Europa League. Liverpool’s quarter-final hopes are in jeopardy after a 2–0 first-leg defeat away to Paris Saint-Germain. Arne Slot’s side failed to register a shot on target in a disappointing performance in Paris. Slot defended his decision to leave Mohamed Salah on the bench, saying there was little chance of scoring. Luis Enrique praised PSG’s creativity, with goals from Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia coming from open play. Barcelona’s Champions League ambitions suffer following a 2–0 home loss to Atletico Madrid. Hansi Flick criticised VAR after a controversial handball incident that did not result in a penalty. Pau Cubarsi’s red card proved decisive as Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth put Atletico in control. Europa League quarter-final action includes Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest in important first-leg ties. Troy Parrott looks to continue AZ Alkmaar’s Europa Conference League run against Shakhtar Donetsk. Crystal Palace striker Eddie Nketiah faces another injury setback ahead of their clash with Fiorentina. Off The Ball returns with live League of Ireland commentary as St. Patrick’s Athletic host Shamrock Rovers. Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Julián Álvarez has said he took a page out of Argentina teammate Lionel Messi's book for his stunning free kick at Camp Nou.

Mikel Arteta has been told Arsenal 'might have won the Premier League already' had they signed a £26m striker instead of Viktor Gyokeres.

Diego Simeone warned Atletico Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final tie against Barcelona was far from over after watching his side claim a dramatic 2-0 victory at Camp Nou. Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth scored as Atleti earned a huge win over their domestic rivals, the former whipping a 25-yard free-kick into the top corner after Pau […] The post Simeone says nothing is decided after smash-and-grab Atleti win at Camp Nou appeared first on Soccer News.

An energetic display capped off by a piece of world-class magic; Wednesday's performance is exactly why Barça rate Julián Álvarez so highly, and the reason Atleti won't give up their talisman cheaply.

Atletico Madrid have underlined their determination to keep hold of Julian Alvarez amid increasing transfer interest from Arsenal.

Good morning. Here’s a really quick blog for you because I’m heading back to Dublin this morning. Did I really need that extra Negroni before returning to the hotel? I don’t think so, but I blame Andrew Allen for that. I’m just a 54 year old person without any agency and an inability to say […] The post A European trip appeared first on Arseblog ... an Arsenal blog.

Julián Álvarez makes history with a record-breaking goal as Atlético Madrid take control vs Barcelona. Leer