Julian Alvarez claims he was not bothered by rumors of a possible move to Barcelona during the most recent transfer window.
The 25-year-old scored 17 goals and provided four assists in 37 LaLiga games for Atletico Madrid last season and has directly contributed to nine goals in the league this season (seven goals, two assists).
And after recent criticism of the striker for a string of poor performances, he bounced back with a goal in Atleti’s 3-2 win over PSV in the Champions League.
Diego Simeone’s side have lost their last two games in the league, leaving them in fourth place in the standings ahead of Saturday’s match against Valencia.
Alvarez is fully focused on life at Atletico as he has his sights set on domestic and European glory with the club.
“Look, it doesn’t bother me. I try not to pay too much attention to it, but I know what is being said,” Alvarez told Marca.
“Most of it comes from social media. I think there’s a lot more talk than what’s actually happening.”
“I’m very focused on this season and what lies ahead with Atletico Madrid. So I’m trying to block that out and think about myself.”
“I feel comfortable at Atletico Madrid. Everyone has treated me well since my first day.”
“My dream is to win the World Cup again and win the Champions League with Atletico Madrid.”
There are places where no words are needed, only light pic.twitter.com/B8m6hOkK3v
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) December 12, 2025
Valencia are sixteenth in LaLiga and only three points ahead of the relegation zone after fifteen games this season.
However, they are unbeaten in five games in all competitions (W2 D3) since the 4-0 defeat to Real Madrid in early November.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Atletico Madrid – Antoine Griezmann
Griezmann has scored 13 goals in 26 games against Valencia in LaLiga, more than he has against any other opponent in his career in the league.
But the Frenchman has scored just four league goals this season and is yet to register an assist.
Valencia – Hugo Duro
Valencia striker Duro has scored five goals in seven LaLiga appearances against Atleti, his highest tally against a single opponent in the competition alongside Real Madrid (five goals in nine games).
He is also the club’s top scorer in the league this season, finding the net five times so far.
MATCH PREDICTION – ATLETICO MADRID WIN
Atleti are unbeaten in their last 14 home games against Valencia in LaLiga (W10 D4), their second-longest unbeaten run at home against them in the competition’s history, after just their first 17 meetings between 1935 and 1954 (W8 D9).
And they have won their last five LaLiga home games against Valencia at the Estadio Metropolitano, their longest ever winning streak on home soil against them in the league.
Simeone is unbeaten in all 14 home games against Valencia in LaLiga (W10 D4), his highest tally against a single opponent in the competition without defeat (also 14 against Athletic Club and Sevilla).
However, Valencia are unbeaten in their last four LaLiga matches (W1 D3), having lost four of their previous five matches in the competition (D1). It is the longest unbeaten streak in the competition this season.
Valencia are also the only team in LaLiga to have scored 100% of their goals from the penalty area this season (14/14).
OPTA CHANCE OF WINNING
Atletico Madrid – 69.6%
Draw – 18.4%
Valencia – 12%
#Alvarez #unfazed #Barcelona #rumors #Champions #League #dreams #Atletico #Soccer #News