Atlético also drops points right away, Danjuma scores beautifully

Atlético Madrid made a significant investment in Julián Álvarez just a week ago, a move that reflects the club’s ambitions to strengthen their attacking options and challenge for titles in the new La Liga season.

The 24-year-old Argentine forward, who had been a key player for Manchester City, was brought in with high expectations. His arrival at Atlético was seen as a statement of intent from the club, as they sought to bolster their squad after a somewhat inconsistent previous season.

However, despite the fanfare surrounding his transfer, Álvarez started the season opener against Villarreal on the bench. This decision by coach Diego Simeone might have been driven by a number of factors. Given the tactical discipline Simeone is known for, it’s possible he wanted to integrate Álvarez slowly into the team’s system, ensuring that the young forward fully grasps the tactical demands before taking on a full role. Additionally, it could have been a strategic decision, as Simeone might have planned to use Álvarez as a second-half impact player, capitalizing on his fresh legs against a potentially tiring Villarreal defense.

From his position on the bench, Álvarez witnessed a game that quickly became a test of resilience and adaptability for Atlético Madrid. Villarreal, a team that has consistently proven to be a difficult opponent for Spain’s top clubs, took the lead through Arnaut Danjuma, a player who had just returned to the squad after a loan spell at Everton. Danjuma’s goal was a demonstration of his pace, skill, and composure. The 27-year-old Dutch winger outpaced Atlético’s Axel Witsel, who struggled to keep up with his speed, and managed to beat Jan Oblak, one of the best goalkeepers in the world, with a precise low shot into the far corner of the net. The goal not only gave Villarreal the lead but also served as a reminder of the attacking threat Danjuma poses.

Danjuma’s performance in this match has only fueled speculation about his future. Despite his successful return to Villarreal, there are strong rumors that he could be on the move again before the transfer window closes. Several European clubs are reportedly interested in securing his services, and Villarreal might find it challenging to keep hold of him if a substantial offer comes in. For Atlético, this goal highlighted the defensive frailties that Simeone will need to address if they are to mount a serious title challenge this season.

Marcos Llorente, one of Atlético’s most versatile players, quickly responded to Danjuma’s opener by equalizing for the visitors. Llorente’s goal was a crucial one, demonstrating his ability to make significant contributions in attack, despite primarily being known for his work rate and defensive capabilities. His equalizer restored some balance to the match and gave Atlético hope of turning the game around. However, the joy was short-lived, as an own goal by Koke, one of Atlético’s most experienced and reliable players, handed the lead back to Villarreal. Koke’s own goal was a moment of misfortune that underscored the unpredictable nature of football and added to Atlético’s frustration.

As the first half drew to a close, it looked as though Atlético would go into the break trailing. However, Alexander Sørloth, making his first La Liga appearance for Atlético, managed to find the back of the net deep into injury time, leveling the score once again. Sørloth’s goal was a positive sign for Atlético, showing that the Norwegian striker has the potential to be a valuable asset for the team. His ability to score in crucial moments could prove vital as the season progresses.

In the second half, both teams continued to push for a winning goal, but neither side could break the deadlock. Simeone decided to bring on Julián Álvarez in the 78th minute, giving the Argentine his debut in the famous red and white stripes of Los Rojiblancos. However, with only a little over ten minutes left to play, Álvarez had limited time to make a significant impact on the game. Despite showing glimpses of his talent, the forward was unable to find the breakthrough that Atlético needed.

The match ended in a 2-2 draw, a result that left Atlético with mixed feelings. On one hand, they had shown character to come back twice in the game, but on the other, they had failed to secure a victory against a team that, while strong, is expected to finish below them in the league standings. The draw meant that, like their city rivals Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid started their season without a win, putting early pressure on the team to deliver in their upcoming fixtures.

Meanwhile, Barcelona managed to secure a 2-1 victory away at Valencia, adding to the sense of urgency for Atlético. The early dropped points could be significant in what is expected to be a highly competitive title race. For Simeone, the focus will now shift to addressing the issues that were evident in the match against Villarreal, particularly in defense and finishing, as well as finding the best way to integrate new signings like Álvarez into the team.

Overall, this match highlighted both the potential and the challenges that Atlético Madrid will face this season. The talent is clearly there, but turning that potential into consistent results will require fine-tuning and perhaps a bit of luck. With the transfer window still open, it remains to be seen if Atlético will make any further moves to strengthen their squad or if they will rely on their current roster to achieve their goals. Either way, the season promises to be an intriguing one for Los Rojiblancos and their fans.