Atletico Madrid
Real Madrid fans and players celebrated their hard-fought win against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday to earn a quarter-final berth in the Champions League, but manager Carlo Ancelotti was more relieved than rapturous at what he said was a subpar performance.
Simeone said he was delighted with Alvarez's maturity and humility as well as his determination to work hard and stay focused despite a slow start in his debut season in the Spanish capital.
Simeone said he was inspired by how his players held firm following a straight red card for midfielder Pablo Barrios and they found a late equaliser through Alexander Sorloth to cancel out Iago Aspas's opener.
An eight-match winning streak in the LaLiga has lifted Atletico Madrid to the top of the standings and dreaming of a first league title in four years, but coach Diego Simeone insists on focusing on one match at a time.
Barcelona extended their poor run of form and slipped off the top of LaLiga by losing 2-1 at home to Atletico Madrid on Saturday but coach Hansi Flick urged his side to move on and come back stronger after the winter break.
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone was determined to look on the positive side despite their 4-0 Champions League thrashing against Benfica on Wednesday and said they had not lacked desire but were simply outplayed.
Atletico managed to keep another clean sheet to consolidate their status as the best defensive side in the competition, conceding only three goals in seven games this season.
The new Champions League format forces teams to go for the win, Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone said after his side fought back from a deficit to grab a late 2-1 victory over RB Leipzig on Thursday.
While Alvarez had a quiet performance in his first start for the club, Simeone expressed optimism over what the former Manchester City striker can deliver.
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone heaped praise on his new signing Julian Alvarez and expects great things from the 24-year-old Argentine forward.
Alvarez joined Atletico on a six-year contract on Monday and, while financial details of the deal were not disclosed by either club, British media reported that the transfer was worth around 75 million euros ($82.46 million) plus 20 million euros in potential add-ons.
Atletico Madrid have signed striker Alexander Sorloth from fellow Laliga side Villarreal on a four-year contract, both clubs said on Saturday.
Neither Milan nor Atletico disclosed the financial details of the deal, but media reports said the Italian side triggered the release clause in his contract, which was around 13 million euros ($14.15 million).
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone, on the eve of his side's final LaLiga match against Real Sociedad, said they fell short of their objectives this season and that title winners Real Madrid were the best team in the world.
Atletico Madrid beat newly-crowned Copa del Rey winners Athletic Bilbao 3-1 at home in LaLiga on Saturday as Diego Simeone's side moved a step closer to a top-four finish.
Atletico Madrid struck twice in a dominant first half but had to survive a late fightback from Borussia Dortmund before earning a 2-1 win in their Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday.
Atletico Madrid needed a penalty shootout to edge past Inter Milan and reach the Champions league quarter-finals after a dramatic last-16 clash ended 2-2 on aggregate on Wednesday.
Bilbao, who reached their 40th Spanish cup final, will bid to end a 40-year title drought in Seville on April 6, when they face Mallorca who beat Real Sociedad 5-4 on penalties on Tuesday.
Atletico Madrid centre back Jose Maria Gimenez is facing another spell on the sidelines due to a thigh injury, the Spanish club said on Thursday.
Antoine Griezmann and Rodrigo Riquelme scored in extra time to give Atletico Madrid a 4-2 derby victory over last year's champions Real Madrid that earned Diego Simeone's side a Copa del Rey quarter-final place on Thursday.
