LaLiga giants Barcelona are still fighting for their favourite target Julian Alvarez
Barcelona have received a major boost in their pursuit of Julian Alvarez after Atletico Madrid supporters publicly turned against the Argentine striker during a tense LaLiga clash with Villarreal.
The forward was targeted by sections of the Atletico fanbase following reports linking him with a move away from the club, with Barcelona among the teams monitoring his situation.
Atletico fans turn on Alvarez amid Barcelona links
Alvarez endured a difficult afternoon during Atletico Madrid’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Villarreal, with supporters making their feelings clear before and during the match.
The striker was booed while warming up before being jeered again when his name was announced among the substitutes. The hostility continued when he entered the game in the 66th minute.
A section of Atletico supporters even chanted: “Let him leave once and for all, let him leave…”
The reaction came after Alvarez revealed during the 2026 World Cup that he had spoken with Atletico about the possibility of leaving the club to “fulfil my dream”, sparking further speculation about his future.
Barcelona have been heavily linked with the Argentine as they search for a long-term attacking solution, with the Catalan giants viewing him as their preferred option. The growing tension between Alvarez and Atletico supporters could strengthen Barcelona’s position if they decide to make an official move.
Simeone protects Alvarez after heated Villarreal draw
Following the match, Atletico manager Diego Simeone confirmed that the club decided to prevent Alvarez from approaching the supporters after the final whistle.
“The club decided he should not go near the stands or the fans. “It was the club’s decision to keep him away and separate him, so he could go to the locker room,” Simeone explained.
When asked about advice for Alvarez, Simeone avoided discussing the striker’s situation directly and instead focused on Atletico’s collective ambitions.
“I have to focus on my job, which is to give my best for Atletico Madrid. If we want to win a title, we need to stick together,” he said.
The controversy overshadowed an eventful match at the Metropolitano. Atletico took the lead through Marc Pubill’s stunning strike before Gerard Moreno equalised from the penalty spot. Robin Le Normand’s red card and Georges Mikautadze’s penalty appeared to hand Villarreal victory, but Giuliano Simeone rescued a point for Atletico with a late counter-attacking finish.
Despite avoiding defeat, Atletico’s reaction to Alvarez’s situation has intensified speculation over whether the World Cup winner could leave Madrid, providing Barcelona with renewed hope of securing one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards.