The Argentina international delivered the decisive moment in a difficult contest at the Metropolitano, where Atletico Madrid struggled to find their rhythm against a Deportivo side that competed strongly for long periods. The visitors made life uncomfortable for the hosts before Álvarez’s finish settled the match and secured three points.
Simeone admitted his team had not produced the performance he expected, particularly in the opening stages. Atlético found it difficult to recover possession and were not comfortable in the pattern of the game, but the changes after half-time brought greater energy and more attacking opportunities.
“It was a tough and difficult match. We struggled to win the ball back and didn't play the game we had imagined. We weren't comfortable. We changed things and the substitutions gave us more energy. We created chances, had three opportunities and began to find our way into the match, but we couldn't finish it off at 1-0. That's why Sorloth came on.
“But because we didn't score again, we began to feel the panic that these results can always bring. Deportivo could have equalised.”
Despite his concerns about the performance, Simeone was particularly pleased with Álvarez’s response to the criticism and tension that had surrounded him after comments about his ambition to play for Barcelona. The striker had apologised to Atlético supporters, some of whom had previously voiced their frustration.
“I value people taking the moment to apologise because it isn't easy. Julián is a humble, hard-working lad who cares about his teammates, and I appreciate his apology because it puts him in the place where he belongs.”
Simeone said he did not want to judge whether the apology had been necessary, but welcomed the gesture and felt the crowd’s reaction reflected a renewed connection with the forward.
“He played a great match. The fans celebrated his goal as they celebrate a goal for the team, and Julián played a very good game, as he did the other day in the Champions League. We need Julián in this form.”
Deportivo’s coach felt his side had competed well against Champions League opposition and came close to leaving Madrid with a point. He praised the intensity and organisation of his players but said the result underlined the need to be more decisive in both penalty areas.
“We played with intensity and followed the game plan very well. We had a good match and were close to getting something from it. In the second half Atlético were better, although we finished with a clear chance.”
The Deportivo coach also acknowledged that missed opportunities had become a recurring frustration, particularly with a young squad still learning to manage matches at this level.
“It's about winning matches. We're doing some things well, but it isn't enough. We have to do more things well. In the top division, mistakes in both boxes punish you. Last weekend we missed a very clear chance, and this time we've missed another. These are young players who also have to grow through those mistakes.”
Atlético left with the points and a renewed sense of connection around Álvarez, while Deportivo were left to take encouragement from their performance without the reward their late opportunity might have brought.