Atlético de Madrid: Diego Simeone makes an announcement about Julián Álvarez

23.08.26 11:00 LaLiga Spain

Atletico Madrid

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Villarreal

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After missing the win over Malaga, Julián Álvarez is back in Atlético’s squad for the showdown against Villarreal this Sunday at the Metropolitano.

Julián Álvarez will return to the Atlético de Madrid squad for the home fixture against Villarreal on Sunday at 4pm.

“Julián? Yes, he’ll be included in the list of players called up tomorrow, he’s in better shape. Of course, he’s still getting back to full fitness, just like his teammates,” Diego Simeone said.

The Argentine missed the victory over Malaga (2-0), officially because he wasn’t physically ready. However, his return comes amid a tense atmosphere: targeted by some fans, Álvarez is still looking for a way out, while the club’s management refuses to let him leave. FC Barcelona now appears to have dropped their pursuit. On the pitch, Álvarez remains central: he finished the 2025-26 season with 20 goals and 9 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions.

A trophyless 2025-26 season despite two deep runs

Atlético finished fourth in LaLiga with 69 points, just three behind Villarreal. Their record: 21 wins, 6 draws, 11 defeats, with 62 goals scored and 44 conceded. The Colchoneros also reached the Copa del Rey final, ultimately losing 4-3 on penalties to Real Sociedad after a 2-2 draw. In the Champions League, their run ended in the semi-finals against Arsenal, who triumphed 2-1 on aggregate.

A nearly perfectly balanced rivalry

The two sides have met 50 times across all competitions. Atlético holds a slight edge with 18 wins, compared to Villarreal’s 16 and 16 draws; Madrid have scored 70 goals, Villarreal 68. At home, the gap widens: in 25 encounters, Atlético have 13 wins, 7 draws, and just 5 defeats. Yet last season showed just how unpredictable this fixture can be: the Colchoneros won 2-0 at the Metropolitano, only to suffer a heavy 5-1 defeat at Villarreal on the final day.

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This new clash is a first real test for Simeone’s team. After their opening win over Malaga, Atlético will be eager to confirm their form against the side that denied them a podium finish last spring. Still regaining his rhythm, Álvarez may not start, but his presence on the teamsheet gives the Argentine coach a key attacking option—and a chance to begin mending fences with the fans.

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

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Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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