Atlético’s First-Half Blitz

Atlético Madrid asserted their dominance early in the match, with Álex Baena opening the scoring. Operating effectively between midfield and attack, and at times as a false nine, Baena led Atlético’s charge. Ademola Lookman then doubled their lead before Baena struck again from distance, completing his brace and giving Atlético a formidable 3-0 advantage by half-time. This decisive first-half performance left Sevilla with a significant challenge to overcome.

Sevilla, who had won their opening two matches of the season, struggled to contain the visitors’ attacking prowess in the first 45 minutes. Despite improving after the break and applying more pressure, the hosts could only manage a consolation goal midway through the second half, scored by Miguel Sierra with a volley. Ultimately, Sevilla could not find a way back into the game, marking their first defeat of the season.

Simeone Praises Baena’s Impact

The victory highlights Atlético Madrid’s strong start to the campaign, having now scored seven goals across their first three league fixtures. Manager Diego Simeone praised Baena’s performance, noting the confidence the midfielder has displayed since winning the World Cup. Simeone stated that the team now needs to maintain this level of performance from him. The coach also commented on his team’s effective recovery and transition work, though he acknowledged a dip in energy during the second half as Sevilla increased their pressure.

On the opposing bench, Sevilla manager Luis García Plaza expressed frustration over a penalty appeal involving Kike Salas and Hjulmand. Despite a VAR review, the referee decided not to award a spot-kick, a decision that Kike Salas also disagreed with after the match, backing his manager’s view.

Promising Start to the Season

This latest result follows Atlético Madrid’s draw with Villarreal and an opening league win against Málaga, continuing a promising start to their La Liga season. The team’s ability to score freely in the early stages of the league, combined with their tactical discipline, will be a positive sign for their title aspirations as they look to consolidate their position at the top of the table.

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Speaking from Majadahonda, the Atlético coach ruled Álvarez out of the trip entirely while acknowledging Sørloth’s absence leaves the squad searching for solutions in attack. Simeone indicated that given the circumstances around Álvarez, losing Sørloth has an amplified impact, describing the forward as an important member of the team.

Simeone declined to elaborate on Álvarez’s individual situation despite repeated questioning. The manager indicated he understood the follow-up questions but believed he had explained his stance clearly, adding that he did not have much more to add. Simeone did offer reassurance that when Álvarez returns to training with the squad, the club will provide its usual support to ensure he feels valued by the team.

Romero return timeline

Cristian Romero will rejoin the group on Saturday but faces a patient rehabilitation process. Simeone stressed there will be no rush to speed up the comeback, stating he will only select the player when both feel ready for match demands. Romero is currently attempting to regain full fitness.

Fixture context and morale

The absences come as Atlético prepare to face a Sevilla side buoyed by consecutive victories. Simeone noted Sevilla’s strong start to the league campaign and warned his side must cooperate to overcome the difficulties of the fixture at a venue where home support will prove influential. The coach emphasised the need to guide the contest in a manner that allows them to threaten Sevilla, acknowledging that the hosts arrive with confidence.

With both primary forwards unavailable, Simeone explained the squad are seeking collective solutions to secure victories and create chances. He added that the club is assisting players in understanding the situation and improving together.

Despite the attacking shortages, Simeone rejected suggestions of low morale within the camp. He praised the group’s efforts since returning from international duty, citing encouraging displays against Málaga and Villarreal as evidence of collective resilience.

Milestone moment

The fixture also marks Simeone’s 800th match in charge of Atlético. The manager reflected on the landmark with gratitude, expressing happiness and appreciation for the institution, supporters and footballers who have featured during his tenure.

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Atlético Madrid salvaged a 2-2 draw against Villarreal at the Metropolitano in a contest marked by defensive chaos, a late dismissal and renewed hostility from home supporters towards substitute Julián Álvarez.

The Rojiblancos appeared set for victory when Marc Pubill curled home the opener shortly before the hour mark, yet their advantage evaporated almost immediately. Morten Hjulmand conceded a penalty for fouling Tajon Buchanan, allowing Gerard Moreno to convert from the spot and restore parity. The hosts’ task grew harder when Robin Le Normand received a red card following a VAR intervention. Villarreal capitalised from the resulting spot-kick, with Georges Mikautadze putting the visitors 2-1 ahead.

With five minutes remaining, Giuliano Simeone snatched a point by finishing a precise through ball from Álex Baena. The draw maintains Atlético’s unbeaten start to the La Liga campaign after two matches, yet the statistics painted a sobering picture. Villarreal generated 3.60 expected goals compared to Atlético’s meagre 0.71, a disparity that goalkeeper Jan Oblak did much to disguise with four important saves.

Álvarez targeted as fan frustration boils over

The atmosphere turned toxic upon Álvarez’s introduction in the second half. The Argentina international was jeered when his name was read out before kickoff and again when he entered the pitch, managing just twelve touches and failing to create any chances during approximately thirty minutes of play. Sections of the crowd chanted for him to leave the club.

At full time, Álvarez walked straight down the tunnel without acknowledging the supporters, while his teammates applauded the stands. Diego Simeone later explained that the club itself had decided to keep the forward away from the crowd to shield him from further confrontation.

Structural attacking problems exposed

Beyond the supporter unrest, Simeone acknowledged fundamental issues with his forward line. Ademola Lookman was deployed out of position as a central striker, while Lee Kang-in was tasked with creating rather than finishing. The manager subsequently apologised to Lookman for the tactical misalignment, stressing that competing for titles requires genuine centre-forwards deployed in their natural roles.

The dilemma is sharpened by the injury absence of Alexander Sørloth. With the transfer window closing imminently, resolving the centre-forward crisis—whether through repairing relations with Álvarez or recruiting a new option—has become the priority for the defending champions.

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Kang-in Lee broke the deadlock in the 70th minute before Álex Baena added a second five minutes from time, rewarding manager Diego Simeone’s decision to rotate his starting line-up against the newly promoted side.

Impact from the Bench

Simeone kept several established names out of his starting eleven for the curtain-raiser, introducing fresh legs shortly after the hour mark. The tactical switch proved inspired.

Lee, signed from Paris Saint-Germain in July for £34.3 million, entered the fray in the 57th minute alongside Baena and Giuliano Simeone. The South Korean forward justified his price tag by drifting in from the right wing and firing a precise finish past the goalkeeper to finally unlock the stubborn Málaga defence.

Baena confirmed the result shortly afterwards, curling a free-kick beneath the crossbar to double the advantage and settle the contest.

Visitors Threaten Upset

Málaga, returning to the top flight after an eight-year absence, demonstrated they will not be easy opponents this season. Despite missing several players through injury, the visitors created clear opportunities to take a shock lead before Atlético’s breakthrough.

David Larrubia and Chupe both came close in quick succession during the first half, only for Jan Oblak to produce important saves. The effort was eventually ruled offside, though the Slovenian had already prevented the opener. Atlético also struck the woodwork when David Hancko headed against the crossbar during a period of sustained pressure.

Fixture Context

The result gives Atlético a winning start ahead of a significantly tougher assignment on Saturday, when Villarreal visit the capital. Simeone’s rotation strategy appears designed to keep key players fresh for that encounter against last season’s third-placed finishers.

Notably, striker Julián Álvarez was absent from the squad entirely amid ongoing speculation regarding his future.

Málaga will aim to register their first points when they host Deportivo on Monday in their first home match back in the top tier.

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The winger spent last season on loan at the Metropolitano, where he impressed Diego Simeone sufficiently for the manager to push decisively for a reunion. However, an injury suffered during the latter stages of the campaign prevented the activation of an automatic purchase obligation that was contingent on meeting a minimum appearance quota. Consequently, González returned to Turin this summer despite both player and coach favouring continuity in Madrid.

Simeone’s influence versus squad priorities

Simeone has communicated directly to the Atlético board that he wants the 26-year-old back in his squad. This top-down pressure has revived talks even though the club’s immediate sporting priorities lie elsewhere. Mundo Deportivo note that Los Colchoneros are primarily focused on securing a new centre-forward and a central defender before the window closes, placing the González file on a secondary track despite the manager’s enthusiasm.

At Juventus, Luciano Spalletti regards González as a viable option rather than deadwood. Calciomercato report that the former Italy coach would be prepared to develop and utilise the Argentine if a transfer cannot be agreed. Nevertheless, the Bianconeri’s decision to drop their valuation to €22–25 million—a figure that aligns closely with the player’s estimated market worth—suggests the club is eager to sanction a departure rather than risk retaining an unsettled asset.

Resolution imminent

The revised fee represents a notable retreat from earlier demands approaching €30 million. This shift reflects a pragmatic recognition that completing the deal at the current level serves all parties better than a stalemate, particularly given González’s desire to remain under Simeone’s guidance. His recent World Cup involvement, including a substitute appearance in Argentina’s semi-final triumph over England, has kept his profile high without inflating Juventus’s negotiating position.

Sources indicate that the clubs are now working intensively to iron out the final economic details. With the gap between valuation and offer narrowed to a manageable margin and the player openly committed to the move, a definitive agreement is expected in the near term.

The Departing Firepower

Antoine Griezmann has already completed his move to Orlando City, removing the club’s creative hub from last season’s attacking unit. Now Julian Alvarez has made his desire to leave unambiguous, placing the club under pressure to find a replacement while simultaneously negotiating his departure. Sources indicate the Argentine may not be heading to Barcelona or Real Madrid, but his exit appears increasingly certain.

Compounding the issue, Alexander Sorloth is unlikely to remain at the Metropolitano. The Norwegian faces interest from Italian clubs and Turkish side Besiktas, with speculation suggesting he could be used as leverage to secure Nico Gonzalez’s permanent transfer from Juventus. The potential loss of both Alvarez and Sorloth, alongside Griezmann’s confirmed departure, strips Atletico of the attacking core that contributed 93 goals across the previous two campaigns.

Internal Options Fall Short

Simeone has experimented with Ademola Lookman as a secondary striker during pre-season, a role the Nigerian forward occasionally filled toward the end of last term. While Lookman offers decisiveness in tight spaces, analysts question whether he can transition from supporting winger to the dominant central finisher that Simeone’s system historically demands.

Youth alternatives appear insufficient for immediate top-flight demands. Arnau Ortiz, who scored 23 league goals for Fernando Torres’ Atletico Madrileño in the third tier last season, and Miguel Cubo, who has featured at centre-forward in friendly matches, face a significant gap to bridge. Simeone’s record of promoting academy forwards directly into La Liga starting roles in August remains limited.

Transfer Market Constraints

The club has identified potential replacements, though each carries considerable risk. Dusan Vlahovic, available after leaving Juventus, represents a low-cost option that fits financial fair play constraints. The 26-year-old Serbian previously interested Atletico during his prolific Fiorentina spell, though his output declined during his Turin tenure.

Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP has also been mentioned as a possible arrival, potentially facilitating Alvarez’s sale. The Swedish forward has demonstrated prolific scoring in Portugal, yet doubts persist regarding his temperament under pressure at the highest level—a concern amplified by Atletico’s previous struggles with forwards who lost confidence during crucial moments.

Complicating negotiations further, the club’s internal dynamics appear fragmented. Manager Simeone has spent portions of the summer in New York, while CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin and President Enrique Cerezo have made public statements that generate headlines without clarifying strategy. Sporting director Mateu Alemany reportedly operates without full authority to resolve the situation decisively.

With outgoing deals moving slowly and La Liga’s salary cap restricting wage expenditure, Atletico face a narrowing window to register new players. Every week without resolution on Alvarez’s future reduces the time available to identify, negotiate with, and sign a replacement capable of leading the line when the season opens.

• Atletico Madrid skipper Koke slams the club’s La Liga campaign as a “disaster” following a heavy 5-1 defeat away to Villarreal
• The result means Los Colchoneros finish fourth, missing out on third place and approximately €7 million in prize money
• Koke contrasts the poor domestic form with successful runs in the Champions League and Copa del Rey
• Manager Diego Simeone defends the season, rating it as “good to very good” despite the final league position
• Transfer speculation grows over striker Julian Alvarez, with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly monitoring the situation

Atletico Madrid captain Koke has strongly criticised his team’s performance in La Liga this season. The 34-year-old midfielder spoke after the club finished their campaign with a heavy defeat on Sunday evening.

The Spain international appeared frustrated following the 5-1 loss to Villarreal at the Estadio de la Cerámica. This match marked the final game of the season for both sides. A victory would have allowed Atletico to overtake their opponents and secure third place in the table. However, Diego Simeone’s side conceded five goals for only the second time during the Argentine’s long spell as manager.

This marks just the second occasion that the Madrid club has finished fourth under Simeone. On all other complete seasons, they have ended inside the top three positions. Finishing below the Yellow Submarine also costs the club around €7 million in lost prize money.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Koke gave a direct and honest assessment of their league form. “It leaves a bad taste in my mouth,” he told Movistar+ via Marca. “The Champions League brought excitement. The cup competition went to a penalty shootout. However, our league form was a disaster because we failed to challenge for the title. We must finish higher next season and learn from this experience.”

However, Simeone offered a different view when speaking to Diario AS. “I was never good at giving grades at school,” he explained. “This season sits between good and very good. We reached the semi-finals of the Champions League and the final of the Copa del Rey. We played 61 games in total. Villarreal had a strong league season, yet they only fought in one competition. We nearly caught them. We enjoyed great moments, such as victories over Barcelona and Real Madrid. We brought joy to our supporters. Naturally, everyone wants to win the league title, not merely finish third.”

The club enjoyed their best cup runs for nearly ten years. Yet this is the second time in three years that they have finished outside the top four. The summer promises to be busy at the Metropolitano, with fresh investors Apollo Sports Capital providing new hope for the future.

• Julian Alvarez wants to join FC Barcelona this summer.
• The Argentine striker does not have a good relationship with manager Diego Simeone.
• Atletico Madrid hope to keep the forward and have offered him a new deal.
• Barcelona plan to offer players in exchange to reduce the €100 million price.
• Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal are watching the situation.

Julian Alvarez has set his sights on a move to FC Barcelona. The Atletico Madrid forward will push for a transfer to the Catalan giants if he leaves the club this summer.

Reports suggest the Argentine World Cup winner is unhappy with his relationship with manager Diego Simeone. Sources close to the player claim the bond between the two is weak. This tension is pushing Alvarez toward the exit door.

Atletico Madrid do not want to sell their star striker. The club has offered him a new contract to stay in the Spanish capital. However, Alvarez and his family prefer life in Barcelona. They wish to remain in Spain but change cities.

Barcelona have made the striker their main target for the transfer window. The club hopes Alvarez will formally request the move from Atletico. This would help them negotiate a lower price. They aim to bring the fee down from €100 million by including players in the deal.

Atletico teammate Marcos Llorente has spoken about the uncertainty. He says that even Alvarez does not know his future. Llorente explained that he does not ask his colleague about the transfer rumours.

If Barcelona cannot reach an agreement with Atletico, other clubs are ready to act. Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal have both shown interest in signing the former Manchester City player.

• Atletico manager reflects on painful near-misses in Copa del Rey and Champions League
• Club holds third place in La Liga with four matches left this term
• Captain Koke suggests possible summer exit amid emotional scenes
• Simeone thanks media critics and praises 14 years of squad growth
• Los Colchoneros prepare for Celta Vigo clash at Metropolitano

Diego Simeone says Atletico Madrid will find it very difficult to improve on this season. The manager believes his team performed at a high level even though they did not win any trophies.

Atletico lost the Copa del Rey final on penalties to Real Sociedad. They also reached the Champions League quarter-finals but lost to Barcelona. Simeone thinks these results show his team can compete with the best.

“It is hard to explain this season,” said Simeone. “We lost the Copa on penalties. We played an incredible quarter-final against Barcelona in the Champions League. We gave everything.”

The team is currently third in La Liga. They are five points behind Villarreal with four games left. They are ten points ahead of Real Betis in fifth place.

Simeone has been manager for 14 years. During this time, Atletico reached four Champions League semi-finals and two finals. He says this shows the club has grown enormously.

“We must be grateful for what we have achieved,” he added. “The club is much bigger now. We are recognised worldwide. I thank my players, our fans, and the management for their support.”

Captain Koke may leave the club. He looked emotional when speaking to the press recently. Simeone said he will talk to Koke soon. “I will tell him what I feel, and he will tell me what he thinks,” the manager explained.

Simeone also thanked journalists for their criticism this season. He said negative feedback helps the team improve. “Next season will be difficult to repeat,” he admitted. “To improve, we must win the championship. But criticism is necessary. It makes us better.”

Atletico will play Celta Vigo at the Metropolitano on Saturday. The match starts at 18:30 CEST. Simeone did not ask fans for special support. He said they will decide if they want to cheer for the team after the recent disappointments.

The club will be busy this summer. Sixteen players joined in the last two years, and more changes are expected in the next transfer window.

• Atletico Madrid lose to Arsenal in Champions League semi-final second leg
• Spanish club furious after officials reject three penalty appeals
• Madrid Mayor accuses UEFA of using “machinery” to block Atletico’s final place
• Diego Simeone calls Griezmann incident “clear” but refuses to blame defeat on officials
• Appointment of German VAR official Bastian Dankert raises questions

Atletico Madrid’s Champions League campaign ended in frustration on Tuesday night. The Spanish side lost to Arsenal in the semi-final second leg. However, the players and officials are focusing their anger on the match officials rather than the result.

The club believes the referee ignored three clear penalty claims. The first incident involved Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori. Atletico’s Giuliano Simeone claims Calafiori pushed him with both hands inside the penalty area. Simeone later shared a photo of the incident on social media without adding a comment.

Giuliano also complained about another moment. He stated that Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes stopped him from shooting properly during a big chance. “When I tried to shoot, he pushed me and I lost my balance,” Simeone told Movistar+. “The referee did not even check VAR for this or for Antoine’s situation.”

The third appeal involved French star Antoine Griezmann. Atletico wanted a penalty after Calafiori tackled Griezmann. This happened just after the referee gave a foul against Atletico’s Marc Pubill.

Team captain Koke Resurreccion tried to stay calm. He told reporters the referee “did his best” and refused to criticise the decisions. Manager Diego Simeone found it harder to stay quiet. He admitted the Griezmann incident looked like a “clear” penalty. However, he said he did not want to sound like he was making excuses for the defeat.

The anger goes beyond the pitch. Club sources told Diario AS that the dressing room feels furious. They believe the officiating hurt them throughout the match. They also complained about the short amount of added time. The referee announced five minutes but blew the whistle after only five minutes and 33 seconds. This period included several stoppages for yellow cards and balls leaving the pitch.

Atletico also questioned why UEFA chose German VAR official Bastian Dankert. Dankert was the same person who disallowed Julian Alvarez’s penalty against Real Madrid last season.

The strongest words came from Madrid’s Mayor, Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida. The Mayor is a well-known Atletico supporter. He claimed UEFA never wanted Atletico in the final. “We did not play against Arsenal. We played against UEFA,” he said at a press conference. “UEFA started their machinery to stop us. You can beat Arsenal over 180 minutes, but you cannot beat UEFA.”

He also criticised the appointment of a German referee. Spain and Germany are currently competing for an extra Champions League place next season. “It makes no sense to use a German official when our leagues are fighting for the fifth spot,” he added.

Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta changed his opinion about the referees. After the first leg, he attacked the officiating. He called a overturned penalty decision “a turning point”. After winning the second leg, he praised the officials. “I thought the refereeing was very good this time,” he told reporters.

Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak admitted the team played badly. “We showed Arsenal too much respect. We played with fear,” he said. Simeone added that desire alone was not enough to win.