Among the highlights of Atletico’s qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League, there was a small shadow. Julian Alvarez was unable to shine against Club Brugge and once again failed to find the net. The Argentine, who has five goals and two assists in this edition of the Champions League, is not quite finding his best form. Nevertheless, both his fans and Simeone were keen to remind him that they trust him.
Simeone opted for Julian in the starting eleven as Sorloth’s partner and the Metropolitano bid farewell to the Argentine with a great ovation when he made his way to the bench. With the score at 2-1, Simeone decided to replace his compatriot with Griezmann. It was the 58th minute and Julian, despite not having been able to play a great game, found the warmth of the fans with a spontaneous ovation.The Atletico No.19 timidly returned the applause of the crowd, knowing that he had not been able to shine against the Belgian side. Despite not being particularly successful, Julian did not stop trying. Things are not going well for him, but he was the first of the red and white players to reach out to Sorloth after the Norwegian’s first goal. The Argentine embraced the Norwegian after the goal that opened the way to victory.
Just like his fans, Simeone wanted to show his confidence in Julian in a press conference. The Argentine coach compared the situation of La Araña with the one experienced by Griezmann last season when he could not find the way to goal. “We also had the same problem with Griezmann last season. I put him in, I put him in and he couldn’t respond. They are decisions, I assume them and I believe in this type of players. Both Griezmann and Julian today…” said the coach to reinforce his support for the 19-year-old.
It also happened to us with Griezmann last season. I put him in, I put him in and he couldn’t respond. They are decisions, I assume them and I believe in this type of footballer. Both Griezmann and Julian today..
The Metropolitano experienced a party atmosphere against the Belgian side and did not want to miss the opportunity to show Julian their support. Despite leaving the field with the result still in the balance, the stadium gave an ovation to La Araña. The Argentine striker has to be key for Atletico to be able to fight for the Copa del Rey and Champions League titles at the end of this season and the fans know it.
Ovations and chants for Cholo
During the team’s presentation, Diego Pablo Simeone was once again the most applauded. The Argentine coach received the support of his fans before the match began. Throughout the match he could be seen calling for the support of a crowd that became a key player during the match. At the end of the tie against Brugge and with all the red and white players celebrating on the pitch, Cholo did not want to miss that moment of happiness. It was then that the red and white fans chanted in unison ‘Ole, ole, ole, Cholo Simeone’. The party was complete. The Metropolitano showed its warmth to Julian… and to Cholo.
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