Julián Álvarez improves his performance for Atlético Madrid

PRAGUE (AP) — Just as the referee awarded a free kick just outside the box, forward Julián Alvarez quickly collected the ball and lined up to fire home for Atletico Madrid.

“When I saw the foul I told Rodri (De Paul) I had confidence and it was a great goal,” Alvarez said. “I don’t know if I’m a specialist, I played for City and River at my previous clubs. It was the first ball they gave me and it’s important to open the scoring and keep scoring goals.”

Alvarez, Atlético’s main player this season, has not lost his confidence lately. The Argentine striker converted a 15th-minute free-kick to score the first of his two goals in Tuesday’s 6-0 rout of Brest in the Champions League, the team’s biggest ever away win in European competition.

“We’ll share who’s shooting,” Alvarez added regarding free throws. “As long as it’s effective, the better.”

Alvarez also scored in the 59th.

It was Alvarez’s seventh goal in the last 10 games and third in the last three games in all competitions. The 24-year-old made a slow start to his first season at Atlético Madrid, scoring twice in 10 games.

“It was a matter of time before we all felt better,” said Alvarez, who joined Atlético Madrid after two seasons at Manchester City. “We have to continue on this path to continue to grow.”

Angel Correa also scored two goals for Atlético. Marcos Llorente and Antoine Griezmann added one each.

“We know that because of the format of the tournament, we need to add three goals and score,” Alvarez said. “It’s important to score as many goals as possible.”

Atlético finished 13th in the 36-team league standings.

___

This story was translated from English by an AP editor using a generative artificial intelligence tool.