Julian Alvarez was a key figure in Atltico Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-final first leg. His free-kick goal at the Camp Nou gave them the lead and changed the course of the match.
However, after the match, the Argentine forward surprised everyone by revealing some unexpected details about his pre-match preparations.
Ibarez’s confession surprises fans
Pau Cubers was sent off in the 44th minute, just before half-time, but Diego Simeone’s side scored their first goal.
Thanks to Julin’s perfectly taken free kick, the ball landed in the corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance and giving his team the lead. Alexander Sorloth added his second goal in the 74th minute to seal the victory.
However, after the match, Lebarez surprised everyone by revealing that he was unable to convert his attempts into goals during practice.
“I practiced free kicks yesterday, but I didn’t score any points. I took five or six in practice, but I didn’t score any points.” “It was important (to score) today,” he added happily.
Therefore, “ineffective” preparation in training did not prevent Rubares from becoming a star in the match. He was named player of the match and his goal is already becoming one of the best of the season.
Furthermore, the 26-year-old forward explained that he was concentrating on the moment of the kick and felt the ball go in the moment he hit it.
This goal not only sealed the result, but also made Julin Atlótico the all-time top scorer in a single season in the Champions League, with nine goals in total.
Now, heading into the second leg, Atltico Madrid will look to protect their 2-0 lead from the first leg, but this time they will be at home to face Rose at the Metropolitano on April 14th.
