Simeone says Julián Álvarez is "closer" to his best level despite the whistles

Julián Álvarez's return to Atlético de Madrid's starting eleven ended with a convincing win over Manchester United in the Champions League, but the night left mixed emotions: promising signs on the pitch and a crowd that has not forgotten the summer saga. Diego Simeone focused on the football and made it clear that the Argentine striker is getting closer to his best form.

• Atlético de Madrid beat Manchester United 2-0 in the Champions League with Julián Álvarez back in the starting lineup.
• The Argentine forward hit the post and has not scored since April 29.
• Simeone backed his performance and said he is "closer" to what the fans want to see.
• The crowd showed respect during the game but whistled again when he was substituted.
• Julián Álvarez has 17 goals and 7 assists in 26 Champions League games for Atlético.

Julián Álvarez returns to the Atlético starting eleven

Handed a place from the start against the English side, Julián Álvarez took another step toward full normality after weeks marked by off-field noise. Simeone deployed him with freedom in the final third rather than as a fixed central striker, allowing him to drift between the lines and use his mobility. The plan worked for the team in a 2-0 victory and also produced individual moments that point to better days ahead.

Simeone: "Julián is closer to what every Atlético fan wants to see"

The fans react to what the player gives them. They want to see the best of each one and Julián is giving it. Against Alavés he had a good second half, today he could have scored and he is closer to what every Atlético fan wants to see because we need him.

The Argentine coach did not shy away from the issue of the crowd and admitted that the relationship between Julián Álvarez and part of the Metropolitano needs time. Despite the whistles, Simeone highlighted the striker's work rate and recalled his strong second half against Alavés. His reading is clear: performances will eventually rebuild the connection with the fans, and the player is making progress on that path.

The goal drought and the post that could have changed everything

Julián Álvarez chased a goal relentlessly from the opening minutes. He tried his luck twice and came closest in the second half with a shot that crashed against the right post after a pass from Pablo Barrios. That effort would have meant far more than a goal: it would have helped rebuild bridges with supporters who still remember his attempts to leave for FC Barcelona.

The forward has not found the net for Atlético since April 29, a drought that is starting to weigh on a player used to deciding games. The Champions League, however, remains his happiest hunting ground. For Atlético he has 17 goals and seven assists in 26 matches in Europe's top club competition, numbers that comfortably exceed his record under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, where he managed eight goals and two assists in 17 games.

Star numbers in the Champions League

Julián Álvarez's European résumé backs up his reputation as a difference-maker. With Atlético de Madrid he averages more than a goal per game in the Champions League, a remarkable output for a forward who also contributes assists and relentless off-the-ball work. He also holds the all-time record as the youngest player to reach 25 goals in the competition, doing so in just 41 matches.

That continental form contrasts with his current league situation, where goals have been hard to come by since late April. Simeone trusts that the Champions League can be the stage where he recovers his confidence and, with it, full harmony with the crowd. The game against Manchester United offered enough evidence to suggest a breakthrough is near.

The Metropolitano reaction and his attitude on the bench

For most of the match the Metropolitano crowd showed respect and a degree of indifference while the ball was in play, and there were even some applause for the Argentine's effort. But when Simeone took him off in the 71st minute to bring on Hjulmand, a section of the stadium made its displeasure over the summer's events clear once again. The jeers were a reminder that the reconciliation is not yet complete.

The player's response was that of someone fully integrated into the group. On the bench he was engaged and positive, celebrating Lookman's goal and sharing complicit moments with Juan Musso, one of his biggest allies in the dressing room. No self-pity or long faces: Álvarez appeared to accept the situation with the fans and focus entirely on what happens on the pitch.

What Julián Álvarez needs to win back the Atlético fans

The road back for Julián Álvarez runs through goals and through performances like the one against Manchester United, where he mixed chances, movement and defensive commitment. Simeone is clear about it and has no intention of taking him out of the spotlight: he needs the forward at his best if Atlético are to compete on all fronts. The Champions League, his favorite competition, looks like the ideal stage to end the drought and restore calm at the Metropolitano.

Every game without a goal fuels the debate, but every flash of quality brings the Argentine closer to redemption. The post against the English side showed that he is only a step away from celebrating again. If the goal comes in Europe, the wounds of the summer will truly start to heal.