MADRID — Julián Álvarez apologized to Atlético Madrid fans for attempting to force a departure from the club in the summer, after scoring in the team’s 1-0 LaLiga win over Deportivo A Coruña on Saturday.

Álvarez’s crucial 48th minute goal gave Atlético a valuable victory, which left them just two points behind leaders Barcelona ahead of Sunday’s Clásico at Camp Nou.

The Argentina forward said he wanted to leave Atlético during the World Cup, with Barcelona his preferred destination, and belatedly apologized for his handling of the situation on Saturday, having scored twice in four days, ending a six-month goal drought.

“I want to apologize to our fans for my words during the World Cup,” Álvarez told Movistar. “It was a mistake in terms of how I expressed myself and the timing.

“I understand the fans [anger] especially given how they’ve supported me since I arrived. They have been very generous toward me. Now it’s time for me to get to work and give everything I’ve got.”

Álvarez’s bid to join Barça was followed by an injury-hit, difficult start to the season, and he has frequently been whistled and booed by Atlético fans at the Metropolitano.

Saturday’s goal was Álvarez’s first in LaLiga for eight months and first league goal in front of Atlético’s home fans since November 2025.

“I’m feeling better and better,” he said. “I’ve always had support. I’m working on improving. I’m feeling better physically … When you feel good in life, it shows on the pitch. Even though we are professionals, everything has an impact.”

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While many fans applauded Álvarez’s goal on Saturday, some continued to voice their disapproval.

“I have a great deal of respect for people who apologize, because apologizing is not easy,” coach Diego Simeone said. “I’m very happy for [Álvarez], he must feel a great sense of peace.

“When someone says something like that, it’s because they truly mean it. As for the player, I’m absolutely delighted … We need him.

“If the club wants to reach the heights the fans dream of, we need Julián Álvarez to be at his best.”