Hattrick Alvarez Returns Atletico Madrid To Victory

Julian Alvarez became the hero of Atletico Madrid's victory over Rayo Vallecano (Instagram/@athleticodemadrid).

JAKARTA - Diego Simeone praised Julian Alvarez as the club's best player after the striker scored a spectacular hat trick in a 3-2 win over Rayo Vallecano on Thursday, September 25, 2025, early morning WIB, in La Liga.

Alvarez put Atletico Madrid ahead in the first half at the Metropolitano Stadium, before Rayo's Pep Chavarria equalized with a stunning long-range shot in the first half.

The visitors then took the lead through Alvaro Garcia, before two more goals from Alvarez - including the winning goal in the 88th minute - gave Atletico Madrid their second win in La Liga 2025/2026.

"Alvarez is very good. He's the best player we have. We have to take care of him, we have to help him get better."

"We need to keep it for years at Atletico Madrid. He's a player who can make a difference," Simeone told ESPN.

Alvarez has scored just one goal this season ahead of the game. He looked unhappy as he was substituted in the previous Atletico Madrid match, a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Mallorca. Spanish media claimed he complained that he was always being pulled out.

"People say that on social media, but it's more of something outside than inside."

"Everything is fine. Those are not the words I used. Those are other words, harsh words. I am angry with myself for how the game went."

"However, things like this always happen with social media at this time," Alvarez clarified the news to ESPN.

Atletico Madrid's victory changed the mood at the club. You see, they seemed to be mired in the league. They started the season with a defeat against Espanyol (1-2).

Then Los Rojiblancos won two draws, vs Elche (1-1) and Alaves (1-1), before winning 2-0 against Villarreal.

However, Atletico Madrid's winning path stalled. They returned to the 1-1 draw against Mallorca.

Alvarez also returned Atletico Madrid to a winning trend even though he struggled. However, the tripoin meant a lot to deal with Derby Madrid on Saturday, September 27, 2025.