Diego Simeone says Atlético Madrid will give Julián Álvarez time to re-discover his best form after the striker missed a string of chances in Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Barcelona at the Metropolitano. Álvarez set up the opening goal for Giuliano Simeone but couldn't convert his own opportunities as two Fermín López strikes earned victory for Barcelona.
"Julián had a good game," Atlético coach Simeone said in the post-match news conference. "As well as the chances he had, he was also involved in several other attacking moves. On top of setting up Giuliano's goal, he also delivered a cross for Alex Baena. We all wanted him to get that goal, but we'll be patient with him because he's a great player. We love him and, if we're going to achieve what we want to achieve, we need Julián at his best -- otherwise we won't get there."
Álvarez was jeered by Atlético supporters at the start of the season for trying to engineer a move to Barça. He has now started Atlético's last five games in all competitions, scoring twice.
Hansi Flick praised his side despite an imperfect first half. The victory was Barcelona's 11th in 12 La Liga games, giving them a three-point cushion over second-placed Real Madrid. Atlético drop to third, five points back, after their seven-game winning streak in the league came to an end.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing