Diego Simeone mentioned Julián Álvarez is destined to finish up “in a particular place” with Atlético Madrid after scoring twice — together with a ninetieth minute winner — of their 2-1 comeback win over Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday.
Atlético have been up in opposition to it after midfielder Pablo Barrios was despatched off within the twenty fifth minute on the Metropolitano, after which Piero Hincapié put guests Leverkusen 1-0 up earlier than half-time.
Álvarez levelled, Hincapié was despatched off himself after which stored a cool head to complete late on, to go away Atlético third within the Champions League desk, with 15 factors from seven video games.
“Once we have been interested by [signing] Julian, that is what we obtained enthusiastic about,” Simeone informed Movistar. “He is obtained unbelievable expertise. He is a participant with a gift, and a good higher future.
“Let’s hope we might help him as a crew, and he can hold having the humility he has to have the ability to hold working, working and combating for every part, as a result of I’ve little question that because the years go by, it is going to depart him in a particular place at this membership.”
Atlético have pulled off some dramatic wins on this season’s Champions League up to now, beating Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 in November and now besting much-fancied Leverkusen. They go to RB Salzburg of their final league part recreation with a powerful probability of creating the highest eight.
“It is a recreation that shall be remembered by the folks that noticed it,” Simeone mentioned on Tuesday. “They have been higher within the first half. They did not allow us to get the ball. One crew performed, and the opposite did not get into the sport.
“What occurred within the second half is not a coincidence, the crew has carried out it in different video games. We equalised, that they had the sending off, we felt we may win it. We took the possibility we had, and received an emotional Champions League recreation. It is a wonderful second for the followers.”
Álvarez admitted the sport was the spotlight of his Atlético profession up to now, since becoming a member of from Manchester Metropolis final summer time.
“In all probability sure, with every part that occurred, taking place to 10 males early, conceding,” Álvarez informed Movistar. “It was troublesome. However we performed our recreation, the crew grew, we levelled, and with ten versus ten, we noticed we had the possibility to win.
“They’re three crucial factors, and so they’ll assist us hold believing in what we’re doing.”
“Julian equalised out of nothing,” Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso mentioned. “It is not nearly soccer, it is about maturity. We have now to enhance if we need to compete.”
