Alvarez Seeks Atletico Revival in Champions League Clash

Atletico Madrid are counting on Julián Alvarez to rediscover his scoring touch as they face VfB Stuttgart in the UEFA Champions League in Stuttgart. The Argentine forward entered the October 20, 2026, match under pressure to end a six-month drought without a goal for Atletico, while his previous European performances offered a reason for the Spanish club to maintain confidence in him.

According to AS, Alvarez last scored for Atletico on April 29, ending a period in which he had become a central figure in the team's attacking plans but had struggled to reproduce his earlier finishing form. His recent goals for Argentina, against Switzerland at the World Cup on July 11 and Burkina Faso during the latest international break, provided evidence that he could still find the net at international level.

Alvarez's European record remains a significant part of his standing at Atletico. AS reported that he scored 10 goals in 1,241 minutes during the previous Champions League campaign, when the club reached the semifinals. He also recorded seven goals in 791 minutes in an earlier season with Atletico and five goals in 277 minutes during his final European campaign with Manchester City, bringing his reported total across those periods to 25 goals.

The forward had also experienced a difficult transition back into club football after returning late on August 12 following the World Cup. AS described his early-season performances as part of a process of regaining fitness and rhythm, noting that his involvement in attacking combinations had improved compared with his subdued display against Villarreal in August.

His recent performances included three shots and an assist for Álex Baena's goal, according to AS. Attempts against Manchester United and Alaves also came close to producing a breakthrough, with the woodwork preventing Alvarez from scoring.

Madrid Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida, an Atletico supporter, addressed the forward's situation at an event organized by the Women's Sports Institute and co-organized by Madrid City Council. He emphasized that goals, rather than an apology, would be the most effective way for Alvarez to rebuild his relationship with supporters.

"I don't demand that he apologize, but that he score goals," said José Luis Martínez-Almeida, mayor of Madrid.

Alvarez's relationship with the Atletico fan base had deteriorated during the summer amid speculation about a possible departure to Barcelona. AS reported that Alvarez had suggested in June that a transfer would be best for all parties, but Atletico, led by Miguel Ángel Gil, quickly closed the door on an exit.

Atletico's leadership and coaching staff have continued to express their need for the Argentine forward. AS reported that Gil Marín, Diego Simeone, Koke and Marcos Llorente all emphasized his importance during the summer, while Simeone continued to rely on him as a regular starter in European competition.

For the Stuttgart match, Atletico selected Jan Oblak in goal, with Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, David Hancko and Alejandro Grimaldo in defense. Giuliano Simeone, Pablo Barrios, Morten Hjulmand and Álex Baena formed the midfield, while Alvarez partnered Jonathan David in attack, according to Holanews.

Stuttgart's starting lineup featured Dennis Seimen in goal, Josha Vagnoman, Jeff Chabot, Ramon Hendriks and Maximilian Mittelstadt in defense, Grischa Prömel and Angelo Stiller in midfield, and Jamie Leweling, Bilal El Khanouss, Chris Führich and Deniz Undav in the remaining positions, according to Holanews.