Julián Álvarez backs Atlético unity message before Real Madrid derby

Julián Álvarez is arriving at the derby with a different feel. After settling down following the return to the Metropolitano and the fallout from the summer window, the Argentine forward—according to MARCA—has also pushed to be ready on the pitch. He had been sidelined by a muscle overload in the quadriceps, which made him miss Atlético’s last two matches against Osasuna and Real Sociedad.

Back in the squad

MARCA reports that Julián worked hard to recover and ultimately make the matchday group for this Sunday’s derby against the Real Madrid. In terms of performance, he also showed signs of rhythm after his return: in the game vs Liverpool, he turned in a strong outing and provided an assist for Llorente.

Outside training, his commitment has been visible in social media. The piece notes that Julián reacted with a “Like” to an Atlético Instagram post using stadium and fan images, accompanied by a clear unifying message ahead of the derby: “Tomorrow. All together.” MARCA adds that other squad members, including Koke and Musso, did the same.

The “back and move on” message around the “Julián case” had already been echoed by Atlético’s head of professional football (men), Mateu Alemany, before the last game against Osasuna. As he told Movistar LaLiga, “What happened has to be understood and overcome… He’s back, he did well at Anfield… He’s training a lot to prepare for the match [the derby], he has drive and will do everything possible to be there,” according to MARCA.

And fitting that tone, Julián again sent the derby message himself: “Tomorrow. All together.”