Atlético wants revenge against Barcelona after the Julián case

On Sunday, the Atlético de Madrid will host FC Barcelona at the Metropolitano at 21:00 hours, with the conflict over Julián Álvarez still present in the relationship between both clubs. The red-and-white entity comes into the match after the RFEF sanctioned the blue-and-blacks with 602 euros for their contacts with the Argentine forward, a decision that adds tension to a confrontation that transcends the sporting realm.

The match marks Barcelona's first visit to the Metropolitano since the Julián case erupted. Atlético feels discontent with the Catalan entity's actions during the past transfer window, when they tried to acquire one of the most important players in Diego Simeone's project.

Let it start to be felt. Tomorrow we have a big date 🔴⚪ https://t.co/lI3URZXjDT

— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) November 7, 2026

The 602 euro fine for Barcelona increases Atlético's discontent

The red-and-white complaint began to take shape in May 2026. Atlético believed that Barcelona had contacted Julián Álvarez's environment without respecting the established procedures for negotiating with a player who had a contract in force until 2030.

The Madrid club filed its complaint with the RFEF and FIFA on June 30. The federal investigation confirmed a conversation between Deco and Fernando Hidalgo, the Argentine's representative, on May 15, before Atlético received written communication about Barcelona's interest.

The Disciplinary Committee considered that a regulatory breach occurred but did not find the necessary requirements to classify it as a serious infringement. Therefore, it imposed a fine of 602 euros on Barcelona for a minor offense. The resolution could be appealed to the Appeals Committee.

The financial amount is insignificant compared to the scale of the conflict. However, for Atlético, the procedure has served to register their discontent with the way Barcelona managed the potential signing.

Julián Álvarez, the protagonist of a complicated summer

The Argentine forward was at the center of a negotiation that never materialized. Barcelona proposed 100 million euros spread over three years, according to the timeline published by Mundo Deportivo, while Miguel Ángel Gil Marín had set a valuation of 150 million with a deadline that expired on June 20.

Julián had a contract until 2030 with a release clause of 500 million euros. Atlético maintained its refusal to negotiate directly with Barcelona, and its board supported this stance unanimously in August.

❝I wanted to apologize to our people❞. — Julián Alvarez 🎙️ https://t.co/d3R2ZHiSXB

— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) October 24, 2026

The situation also had consequences for the player's relationship with the red-and-white crowd. His statements during the summer about a possible exit led to boos at the Metropolitano when he returned to competition.

On October 25, Álvarez apologized to the fans for the manner and timing in which he expressed his desire to leave the team. The Argentine is now looking to regain normalcy with the fans and focus on his sporting performance.

The Metropolitano prepares a special welcome for Barcelona

This Sunday’s match will have two different scenarios. On the field, Atlético will seek to establish dominance over an opponent with whom they have unsettled accounts after several months of institutional clashes.

In the stands, an atmosphere of special intensity is expected, with part of the animosity directed towards Barcelona due to their role in the Julián case. However, relations between the managements have experienced a rapprochement in recent weeks.

In fact, Enrique Cerezo and Joan Laporta are scheduled to share an institutional lunch before the match, in a gesture aimed at easing the tension between both entities.

Therefore, Atlético has an opportunity to respond on the pitch after a summer marked by the confrontation with Barcelona. The federal sanction, the attempt to sign Julián Álvarez, and the fans' discontent make this blue-and-black visit a match with much more at stake than just three points.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Atlético quiere vengarse del Barcelona tras el caso Julián