Atlético Madrid need their first Champions League points when Manchester United arrive, and Julián Alvarez could be handed the stage from the opening minute. Diego Simeone is weighing changes for a demanding European night, with the Argentine striker’s record in the competition offering a compelling case for his inclusion.
| Category | Figure |
|---|---|
| Champions League last season | 15 appearances, 10 goals, 4 assists |
| Current season | 4 league matches and 1 European appearance |
| Goals this season | 0 |
| Tottenham in last season’s Champions League | 3 goals |
Atlético trained in Majadahonda on the morning before the match, but Simeone did not reveal a likely starting side. Those who began the recent Alavés game were assigned recovery work, while Alvarez is among the players pushing to come into the team.
The forward replaced Jonathan David at half-time against Alavés and impressed his manager during the second half. He is now in contention to start against United, having already begun Atlético’s first Champions League fixture of the season. In that match, away to Liverpool at Anfield, Alvarez completed the full 90 minutes.
European record gives Atlético an option
The Champions League has repeatedly brought the best from Alvarez. Last season he produced 10 goals and four assists across 15 appearances, finding the net in the league phase and throughout the knockout rounds.
His campaign included one goal against Club Brugge, a hat-trick versus Tottenham, a strike against Barcelona at Camp Nou and another against Arsenal. That output is why Simeone views Europe as a particularly favourable competition for the Argentine.
Alvarez has yet to score in the new season, despite four league outings and his one Champions League appearance. With Atlético facing a difficult run of fixtures and seeking an immediate lift in Europe, the meeting with Manchester United could be the moment for him to open his account.
More changes remain possible
Alvarez may not be the only fresh face in Atlético’s side. Baena, Kang-in Lee, Pubill and Hancko are also options to start as Simeone looks for the selection that can turn the club’s European week around.
