Man of the moment Julian Alvarez has fired Atletico Madrid into a 1-0 half time lead over La Liga title rivals Barcelona.
The Argentina international has been at the centre of every headline involving Los Rojiblancos in recent days following his disallowed penalty against Real Madrid.
Diego Simeone has been determined to use their UEFA Champions League frustration as motivation in the remaining title race.
With chances at a premium in Madrid, as Lamine Yamal hit the post early on, Alvarez made the key impact just before the break.
It was great link up inside Barcelona’s penalty box from the hosts front three as Antoine Griezmann’s threaded pass freed Giuliano Simeone and his cut back was lashed home by Alvarez.
Julian Alvarez opens scoring against Barcelonapic.twitter.com/tYbnnyd0y7
— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) March 16, 2025
JULIAN ALVAREZ GIVES ATLETICO MADRID THE LEAD OVER BARCELONA JUST BEFORE HALFTIME!
A CRUCIAL GOAL IN THE LALIGA TITLE RACE 🔥 pic.twitter.com/KL0DbpLS5F
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 16, 2025
The goal has a major impact on the live rankings as Atletico Madrid overtake Barcelona and move into second place in the table in behind Real Madrid with a point behind the defending champions.