Diego Simeone firm on Julian Alvarez amid Barcelona links

Atletico Madrid returned to winning ways on Wednesday with a comeback victory over Rayo Vallecano, for which they had Julian Alvarez to thank. The Argentine striker netted a hat-trick at the RiyadhAir Metropolitano, as Los Colchoneros secured a 3-2 success.

As per Diario AS, Atleti head coach Diego Simeone gave his reaction to the encounter with Rayo.

“In Mallorca we played a good game, we could have won it, and tonight we repeated the same situation. In the first half we could have had a bigger lead, but they scored a great goal against us that affected our confidence.

“We made some adjustments and in the second half we had a very good passage. Then, between the 30th and 35th minute, the team was confused. The 1-2 came, just when we were about to make the changes of Marc and Matteo. The team played very well, found attacking paths, held the game well, and gave us order, tranquillity and confidence. From there Julián’s two goals appeared: the first with the help of Giuliano. We also had chances that we didn’t convert. And finally, that great goal by Julián to close the game.

“That’s what happens in football: if he doesn’t score those two goals, we’d be talking about other things. But this time we were able to score. The 2-2 gave us life, and the third… What a goal.”

Simeone waxes lyrical about Alvarez following hat-trick

Simeone also spoke glowingly on Alvarez, whom he hopes to have at his disposal for many years to come – despite links with Barcelona.

“Julián is the best player we have. We need to take care of him, make sure that he is here for many years at Atleti. He has to help us, and we have to help him, so that he may be even better than he already is. Every time he makes a difference, he helps us tremendously.”