JAKARTA - Diego Simeone said Julian Alvarez's goal and assist in Atletico Madrid's crushing 4-0 win over Barcelona in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final on Friday, February 13, 2026, early morning WIB, will help the striker bounce back after ending a goal drought for 11 matches.
Alvarez has not scored since December 9, 2025, but played a key role in Atletico Madrid's first-leg semifinal win at the Metropolitano.
The Argentine provided an assist to January 2026 signing Ademola Lookman to give Atletico a 3-0 lead after half an hour, before adding a fourth to put the hosts firmly in control at the break.
"The facts speak for themselves about (Alvarez). Lookman's feedback is fantastic. (Alvarez's) hard work in the first half was amazing."
"Scoring goals is something he has, and thankfully he's back. He really needs that goal. It will definitely help him prepare for the next step," Simeone said in a post-match press conference.
"(Alvarez) is an incredible player and person. He is a winner. He is a fighter and he will always try to keep moving forward because he is a great person," full-back Nahuel Molina added.
Atletico Madrid are in poor form. The Copa del Rey offers them their best chance of a trophy this season as they trail LaLiga leaders by 13 points and face a Champions League playoff against Club Brugge later this month.
Atletico Madrid and Barcelona must now wait three weeks for the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final at Camp Nou on March 3, 2026.
Meanwhile, Simeone praised the energy at the Metropolitano after his team destroyed Hansi Flick's Barcelona in the first half. Before the crushing defeat, the Blaugrana had a 3-1 win over Los Rojiblancos when the two teams last met in LaLiga in December 2025.
"The four attackers - Giuliano (Simeone), Julian, (Antoine) Griezmann and Lookman - read the space left by the opponent very well."
"This match will remain etched in our memories, whatever happens in the next round. We will remember performances like this."
"Our supporters need this kind of game, a big game, a semifinal," Simeone said.
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