Julián Álvarez, back to where it all began

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Espanyol Atletico Madrid

17/10/26 14:00:00

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Julián Álvarez, a 26-year-old forward at Atlético, has recovered from his muscle strain and is set to return this Sunday, September 20 against Real Madrid at the Metropolitano. The Argentine missed the matches against Real Sociedad and Osasuna, but is now training with the team and could play in the derby. The Atlético transfer market chose to keep their star despite offers from Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Julián Álvarez returns to Atlético for the Metropolitano derby

The injury occurred after Julián played 90 minutes against Liverpool in the Champions League. Atlético later confirmed he had a muscle strain, which kept him from traveling to San Sebastián and playing against Osasuna.

His return comes just before the match against Real Madrid. In Friday's training, Julián partially rejoined the group after individual work, although he still completed part of the session with specific exercises.

The coaching staff's plan is for him to have playing time, although his presence from the start is not guaranteed yet. Simeone also has Jonathan David, who scored two goals in the 5-0 victory against Osasuna, as an alternative in the attack.

🫵🏻 Julián Alvarez, ready for the derby against Real Madrid

📰 @estoesatleti pic.twitter.com/vPmpTiSwXU

— Pascual Ruiz Arnal (@pascualruizar) September 19, 2026

Real Madrid features prominently in Julián Álvarez's recent past

Julián's return to the Metropolitano will have him face the same team that he had one of his standout performances against at Atlético. On September 27, 2025, the Argentine scored two goals in Atlético's 5-2 win against Real Madrid.

That night, Julián converted a penalty in the 51st minute and then scored again in the 63rd minute with a direct free-kick. This derby became one of the matches with the highest goal production by the forward against the white side.

However, the memory of Real Madrid is also linked to the most controversial moment of his time at Atlético. In March 2025, during the penalty shootout of the Champions League round of 16, his penalty kick was disallowed for a double touch after slipping while striking the ball. UEFA officially recorded the kick as a miss, and Madrid went on to win the shootout 4-2.

Real Madrid's €150 million offer

The derby comes after a summer when Real Madrid made a €150 million offer for Julián. Atlético rejected the proposal, maintaining that the forward's release clause was €500 million.

The deal did not progress, and Julián remains at Atlético, even though the club set June 20 as a deadline for a possible departure linked to a €150 million offer. Subsequently, Miguel Ángel Gil Marín stated they would not entertain offers below €200 million.

Now, Julián Álvarez faces his return to the Metropolitano against Real Madrid with the transfer window closed and the chance to participate in the derby. The next data point will be on the field: his presence and the minutes Simeone grants him on September 20 will assess his condition post-injury.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Julián Álvarez, de vuelta a donde todo empezó