CORNERFLICK
Julian Álvarez's strained relationship with Atletico Madrid supporters deepened on Saturday after the forward was jeered before, during and after the 2-2 draw with Villarreal.
Heavy boos at the Metropolitano
Álvarez, back in the squad for the La Liga meeting at the Metropolitano, was met with loud whistles when his name was read out before kick-off. The reaction worsened when Diego Simeone sent him on in the 66th minute, with sections of the crowd booing almost every touch.
The Argentina international then left the pitch alone after the final whistle while the rest of the Atletico players stayed out to thank the home fans. A shirt was also thrown in his direction as he walked off.
Transfer noise grows
The source material says Álvarez has made clear he wants to leave Atletico and join Barcelona, and that the club continue to oppose a sale, particularly to their La Liga rivals. It also says Atletico told Mundo Deportivo they had offered to take him off earlier to avoid further problems.
Jan Oblak urged unity after the match, saying the team should stand by Álvarez while he remains at the club. Simeone was similarly firm, saying players must keep fighting for the team until they are no longer part of it.