Alvarez apologises for Barca talk after Atleti win

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The Argentina international scored for the second successive match as Atletico moved within two points of LaLiga leader Barca ahead of tomorrow's Clasico, and duly addressed the comments that had soured his relationship with fans at Estatio Metropolitano after the win.

"I'd like to apologise to our fans for what I said at the World Cup; it was a mistake in terms of how I said it and the timing," Alvarez said.

"I understand why the fans are angry. If I were a fan, I'd be angry too. Especially given how they've supported me since I arrived."

Alvarez said during the 2026 FIFA World Cup that he wanted to fulfil his dream of playing for Barcelona, triggering a transfer dispute that stretched through pre-season and the most recent transfer window as Atletico refused to sell to its rival.

Regularly booed at home this season, Alvarez received a standing ovation from some supporters after his goal on Sunday (AEDT).

"I hope that with hard work and humility I can turn this situation around," he said.

"I've been feeling better in recent matches – both physically and on the ball. I want to help the team and give my best."

Alvarez international's strike early in the second half as in-form Atleti secured a sixth consecutive league victory.

Deportivo put Jan Oblak under some early pressure, with the Atleti goalkeeper keeping out Miguel Loureiro's header in the sixth minute, while Alvarez and Pablo Barrios failed to trouble Leo Roman at the other end with their shots.

The best chance in the first half was created by Deportivo, but after Oblak spilt Yeremay Hernandez's initial effort, the shot-stopper reacted quickly to deny Lorenzo Amatucci on the rebound with his feet.

Atleti made the most of that reprieve as it took the lead in the 48th minute. Alejandro Grimaldo burst into the left side of the box and drilled a low cross into the six-yard box, with Alvarez able to finish on the stretch.

Giuliano Simeone could not get enough power behind his header to beat Roman, but Deportivo saw a huge chance go begging as Kevin Sanchez shot straight at Oblak from four yards out with the final kick of the game.