Julián Álvarez scores, apologizes to Atlético fans and ends goal drought

Two goals in four days, and finally, a conversation that had been a long time coming. Julián Álvarez scored the goal that gave Atlético de Madrid a 1-0 win over Deportivo La Coruña, and as soon as the final whistle blew, he decided it was time to speak honestly with the fans who had been whistling at him for months.

The backstory helps explain why his words carried so much weight. During the World Cup, the Argentine forward had pushed for a move to Barcelona, and that transfer saga left an open wound with the Rojiblanco faithful. What followed was an uphill season: injuries, a rough start, and an eight-month drought without a LaLiga goal at the Metropolitano. That changed this Saturday, when the Spider felt like himself again, first against Stuttgart in the Champions League on Tuesday, and now against Depor.

With the goal still fresh, Álvarez opened up to Movistar and publicly apologized:

"I wanted to apologize to our fans for my words during the World Cup. They were a mistake on my part, both in how I said them and the timing, and above all, because I understand the fans' anger"Julián Álvarez

He didn't stop there. The former River Plate and Manchester City man admitted that, in the fans' shoes, he would have reacted the same way: "As a fan myself, I also would have been angry, especially after how they've always backed and supported me during these years." He added something that sounded like genuine recognition toward a fan base that, despite everything, had also shown him some goodwill in recent weeks: "They've also been very generous. I value that a lot, I have to focus on working, on continuing to improve." Is one goal and an apology enough to close a wound that had been open for months? The forward himself seems clear that the real path forward lies elsewhere: work, humility, and gratitude. "Hopefully I can keep working, stay humble, and thank the fans for their generosity this whole time," said the Calchín native and 2022 World Cup champion with Argentina.

Álvarez also spoke about his own physical and emotional process, something he says shows on the field: "Little by little, I'm feeling better," he said, highlighting the support of his teammates, who "have backed me and supported me a lot through all of this." The 26-year-old forward went further, explaining the link between his personal state and his performance: "When you feel good in life, it shows on the field too. Everything plays a part. I feel good and ready to compete for everything."

The goal came at a key moment for Atlético, who with this win closed to within two points of league leaders Barcelona, right ahead of a Clásico at Camp Nou. For a team that needs its forward at full strength, Álvarez's words and his goal arrive right on time: the drought is over, and with it, the distance with a fan base that, little by little, is starting to trust him again.