Atletico Madrid president addresses Julian Alvarez situation ahead of Barcelona clash: ‘Special match for him’

Atletico Madrid president addresses Julian Alvarez situation ahead of Barcelona clash: ‘Special match for him’ Barcelona will take on Atletico Madrid this weekend at the Metropolitano, in what would be a high stakes encounter in the context of the La Liga title race. It will be a must-win game for Hansi Flick’s men, who had to endure two defeats at the hands of Diego Simeone last season and will have a point to prove heading into this encounter. What will be even more interesting to see is Julian Alvarez. The Argentine, who was heavily linked with a move to Barcelona in the summer, will take on the Catalans for the first time this season. Enrique Cerezo addresses Alvarez In the lead up to this game, Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo was asked about Julian Alvarez and the prospect of facing Barcelona this weekend. Alvarez has had an underwhelming season so far. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) Cerezo was quite clear in his response, stating that Alvarez’s transfer saga is something that was in the past and that he expects the player to score goals against Barcelona. “It’s a very special match for him, but I think he has already apologized and said that he made a mistake,” he said (h/t Goal ). “And now what he has to do is play and score goals with Atletico Madrid,” he added. Cerezo was quite vocal against Barcelona during the peak of the Alvarez transfer saga, and when asked whether or not he plans to respond to Joan Laporta if he mentions Alvarez yet again this weekend, he sounded out a clear warning. “He will get his response,” said the Atletico Madrid president. A vital asset for Atletico Madrid Can Alvarez score against Barcelona this weekend? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) With just one goal in La Liga this season, Alvarez clearly isn’t having the best of seasons at Atletico Madrid, which was not helped by a slow and controversial start to the season. Nevertheless, he will play a pivotal role for an Atletico Madrid side, which will have to be patient and bide their time, as they take on one of the best attacks in Europe. Atletico Madrid will naturally see a lesser amount of possession, but they do get their opportunities; the onus will be on Alvarez to make those stick. The Argentine will be partnered by the likes of Alex Baena and Alexander Sorloth in the Atleti final third.