Atletico Madrid began the 2026/27 La Liga season with a 2-0 victory over Malaga, but the biggest story from the night had little to do with the result.
Julian Alvarez was nowhere to be seen.
The Argentine forward was not only absent from Diego Simeone’s starting XI but left out of the matchday squad altogether, with his omission coming as speculation over a possible Atletico Madrid exit continues to grow.
Simeone had attempted to calm the situation before the game, explaining that Alvarez needed additional training after his recent international commitments with Argentina.
However, his absence did not stop Barcelona transfer links from dominating the atmosphere around Atletico’s opening match.
Understandably, the reaction from parts of the home support was particularly hostile.
Alvarez absence sparks major reaction from Atletico fansAlvarez’s absence was already a major talking point before kick-off, but the situation became even more noticeable as Atletico Madrid supporters made their feelings known.
The striker was left out for sporting reasons, yet his future remained in the spotlight throughout the evening.
Some Atletico fans displayed a banner aimed directly at the Argentine and his reported links with Barcelona.
“Julian, thank you for the respect you’re showing us, you idiot; Barça and your entourage have tricked you like a spoilt child.”
The reaction comes after Alvarez expressed his desire to leave Atletico Madrid during the World Cup, adding further tension to an already complicated situation.
For the fans, the combination of his possible departure, Barcelona links and absence from the squad appears to have created real frustration.
Atletico eventually secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Malaga to start their La Liga campaign with three points, but the discussion after the match continued to revolve around the player who was not involved.
Atletico supporters split on whether Alvarez should stay or leaveThe frustration was also clear in reactions from Atletico supporters outside the stadium.
El Chiringuito TV spoke to fans about the situation, and several did not hold back when asked what should happen to the Barcelona-linked forward.
“Let him go to Barça for free,” one fan said.
Another supporter took a different view and suggested that Alvarez should remain at the club but lose his place in the team.
“I’d keep him and put him on the bench,” said another, while another said, “If he wants to stay, he must apologise.”
The responses make it pretty much clear that patience among some supporters is beginning to wear thin.
Alvarez remains one of Atletico’s biggest names and one of their most important attacking players.
But when a player is linked with leaving and is then absent from the squad for the opening game of the season, speculation is naturally going to increase.
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