Diego Simeone believes Julian Alvarez is "getting closer to the player we want to see", despite his lacklustre display for Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

Atleti defeated Manchester United 2-0 on Tuesday, with Pablo Barrios and Ademola Lookman scoring either side of half-time at Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

Barrios’ opener for Atleti after 47 seconds was their second-earliest goal in the Champions League, behind only Conor Gallagher’s strike against Real Madrid in March 2025 (27 seconds).

Since the start of 2023-24, only Arsenal and Bayern Munich (both 16) have won more home games in the Champions League than Atleti (P19 W15 D1 L3).

However, Alvarez cut a frustrated figure. He hit the woodwork, but lost all three of his duels and recorded the fewest touches of any starter for the hosts (34).

The 26-year-old, who wanted to leave Atleti in the summer and was the subject of interest from both Real Madrid and Barcelona, is yet to score at club level this season, but Simeone insists the striker is on the right path.

When asked about the mixed reception Alvarez received in front of the home fans, Simeone said: "What the fans do is related to what the players give.

A special win  https://t.co/2NnajoMMJI

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) October 13, 2026

"They want to see the best of the players, and Julian is giving that. He had the chance to score. He's getting closer to the player we want to see.

"We need him."

This was Alvarez's first start for Atleti since their defeat to Liverpool in their Champions League opener in September, following his brief injury before the international break.

He has been jeered at times so far this term by Atletico fans, who were unimpressed by his desire to leave.

Atleti now face two away trips across all competitions, first against Espanyol in LaLiga before a trip to Stuttgart in the Champions League.