Simeone Starts Alvarez Against Manchester United in Champions League

Atletico Madrid faced Manchester United in the Champions League with Julian Alvarez returning to the starting lineup at Riyadh Metropolitano, where Diego Simeone's team sought a strong European performance and a positive result. The match was officiated by Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg.

According to AS, Alvarez made his first start of the season at the Metropolitano, with Atletico also selecting David Hancko, Alex Baena and Kang-In Lee in the starting XI. Manchester United's lineup had an estimated value of 480 million euros compared with Atletico's 450 million euros, according to the report.

AS reported that Alvarez had contributed to 35 Champions League goals since his first start in the competition in October 2022, with 25 goals and 10 assists. Only Harry Kane, Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe had more goal involvements in that period, according to the outlet.

Atletico manager Diego Simeone addressed the importance of the match and his team's progress with new additions before facing Manchester United.

"A big match in Europe, maximum level and demand. We play in our stadium where we show our best version," said Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid manager.

Simeone also discussed Alvarez's return to a major role after recent circumstances involving the player and the club. The coach highlighted the striker's importance ahead of the Champions League fixture.

"It is a definitive step toward absolute normality and forgetting what happened. Football moves very quickly, sometimes for the worse and in this case for the better. The good news for the club is that he is starting in a big match," said Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid manager.

The Atletico coach also evaluated the squad's development after adding five new players, according to AS. He said the team was working through a process of integration while competing in LaLiga and Europe.

"The feeling of the team is that it is managing to build the project with five new players. The feeling is getting better and better, that there is depth in the squad. We hope that is confirmed in the coming days. In this construction of the squad and integration, it allows us to do well in LaLiga," said Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid manager.

Atletico captain Koke was unavailable for the match after the death of his mother, Ana Maria Merodio Borja, according to AS. Simeone's team observed a tribute before kickoff.

"A difficult moment for the family. We send our condolences. It has to be faced like everything in life, but he is very strong and he will do very well," said Koke, Atletico Madrid captain.

Koke also commented on Marcos Llorente's role, while Simeone explained that the player had adapted well between defensive positions, according to AS.

"He handles that space well. He understands if he has to be a center-back, right-back, he supports and he is doing very well," said Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid manager.

"He is very important for us. Hopefully he can respond on the field with all the excitement we all have for him to do well," said Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid manager.

Manchester United made several lineup changes, with Tyler Heaven, Diogo Dalot, Andrey Santos, Marcus Rashford and Carlos Baleba entering the starting XI, according to AS. Baleba returned as a starter after recovering from an ankle injury that kept him out at the start of the season.