Julian Alvarez challenges Real Madrid

Julian Alvarez shone in Atletico Madrid's 3-2 win over Rayo Vallecano.

And at the center of it all, none other than Julian Alvarez - who ended a fiery night with a hat-trick of a lifetime. He not only scored, but also relieved the pressure, united his teammates and gave the fans the inherent pride of “Los Colchoneros”.

Goals as an antidote

Before the Rayo game, Alvarez had only scored one goal in La Liga and was still haunted by his missed penalty against Mallorca. For a striker, goals are not just a statistic, they are a breath of fresh air. And Alvarez found it again in the most impressive way.

The opening goal was a neat finish after a perfect assist from Llorente. The second was the perfect time and place for a natural number 9. And the final goal, a left-footed cannonball into the top corner, confirmed his star quality.

Three goals, three different styles, a complete picture of the modern striker. When the final whistle blew, Alvarez collapsed to the grass, exhausted but smiling broadly. It was a smile of relief.

Julian Alvarez remains Atletico Madrid's biggest hope.

Atletico did not win solely thanks to Alvarez, but clearly, he was the key. Antoine Griezmann continued to work hard to keep the rhythm going, Conor Gallagher played a good role, and Giuliano Simeone brought explosive energy from the bench. But without the mental boost from the goals, the crowd would not have cheered so loudly.

Simeone always preaches the collective, but he also understands that sometimes a team needs a flag. Against Rayo, Alvarez was the man who raised that flag. He pulled his teammates forward, got the crowd on their feet and reminded everyone that Atlético still had character.

Message to Real Madrid

The Madrid Derby is looming, and Real Madrid are going into the game with the confidence of an unbeaten side. But Atletico are always comfortable being the underdogs. And Simeone has Alvarez at his disposal, ready to pry open any defence.

Alvarez’s style is not flashy, but effective and lethal. His positioning, finishing and fighting spirit promise to be a real threat to the stars on the other side of the city. A derby needs a moment of brilliance, and Alvarez is showing he can provide it.

Julian Alvarez is ready to challenge Real Madrid.

The hat-trick against Rayo was not the end, but the starting point for the Argentine striker. The most important thing Alvarez has regained is not only the number of goals, but also the confidence and trust of his teammates and the audience. From the position of a contract "needs to prove", he has now become the main weapon that Simeone hopes for.

In Simeone's philosophy, victory always comes through sweat and hardship. But even he needs an individual who knows how to seize the opportunity to write the difference. Against Rayo, Alvarez did just that. Three goals, a smile, and a whole team re-energized.

The Madrid Derby is coming. Real Madrid may be powerful, but they are not to be underestimated. Because Julian Alvarez, after this brilliant night, is ready to take on the city.

Source: https://znews.vn/julian-alvarez-thach-thuc-real-madrid-post1588079.html