Álvarez's step forward

Álvarez has scored twice in recent matches and apologised to Atlético fans for his failed Barcelona transfer bid, rebuilding his relationship with the club ahead of Sunday's league-leading clash.

Julián Álvarez is making a decisive return to form at Atlético Madrid after a turbulent summer marked by his failed transfer to Barcelona. The Argentine forward has scored in recent matches—one in a 1–1 Champions League draw with Stuttgart and another in a 1–0 win over Deportivo de A Coruña—and has become a regular starter under Diego Simeone, playing from the beginning in five of the last seven games.

After comments made during the World Cup in which he expressed his desire to join Barcelona, Álvarez faced criticism from sections of Atlético's support. He has now publicly apologised, telling Movistar: "I wanted to apologise to our fans for my words during the World Cup. They were a mistake on my part, both in form and timing, and especially because I understand the fans' anger."

With his performances improving and his relationship with the fanbase mending, Álvarez will start for Atlético on Sunday against Barcelona in a match with significant implications for the La Liga title race.