Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez will face Barcelona on Sunday in a top-of-the-table La Liga clash — his first match against the club he sought to join this summer.
Álvarez, 26, told ESPN in June he wanted to leave Atlético Madrid, with sources confirming his preference was to join Barcelona. Atlético refused to sell him to their title rivals, rejecting a €100 million offer. He remained at the Metropolitano.
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Atlético coach Diego Simeone said Saturday that Álvarez “is doing very good” and is prepared for the match. Álvarez was booed by Atlético fans earlier this season over his transfer request but has since apologized. He started Atlético’s last four matches and scored twice after limited playing time at the start of the campaign.
Barcelona enters the match with 30 points from 11 games; Atlético has 28 points and can leapfrog Barça atop the table with a win. Both teams are coming off midweek fixtures and head into the international break after Sunday’s match.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick confirmed midfielder Rodri will miss the match with a hamstring injury. Defenders Eric García and Andreas Christensen are both available to return. Either Frenkie de Jong or Marc Bernal will replace Rodri in midfield.
Flick called Álvarez “a fantastic player” but added, “he is playing for Atlético… I have to focus on my team.” Barcelona signed Anthony Gordon this summer; he has three goals and four assists and said supporters haven’t seen his best yet. Flick agreed Gordon could be “more selfish” in the final third but praised his ball retention and recent improvement.
Last season, Barcelona won both league meetings. Atlético eliminated Barcelona from the Copa del Rey and Champions League.
The match kicks off Sunday at 3 p.m. ET and airs live on ESPN+.
More: La Liga · Soccer · Atlético Madrid · Barcelona
