Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez faced boos from his own supporters amid rumors regarding his future as his team tied with Villarreal in La Liga.
Alvarez stated during the World Cup that he wishes to leave Atletico to “realize my dream,” and he has subsequently been associated with potential transfers to Arsenal and Barcelona before the transfer deadline on 1 September.
He began on the bench against Villarreal but was booed during warm-ups, and even more intense jeers erupted when he entered in the 66th minute.
Following Giuliano Simeone’s late goal to secure a point for Atletico, Alvarez went directly down the tunnel at the final whistle, eliciting more boos.
However, boss Diego Simeone hinted afterward that it was a prearranged club decision for the forward to not join his teammates at full time and go to the dressing room instead.
Marc Pubill put Atletico ahead just before the hour with a well-placed shot, but Gerard Moreno equalized shortly after from the penalty spot.
Atletico appeared to be on the verge of losing when Robin le Normand received a red card in the 76th minute for a foul on Georges Mikautadze in the box, and the Georgian forward successfully converted the penalty.
However, a quick response from Atletico with five minutes remaining saw Simeone sliding a precise finish into the net.
The result indicates Atletico has secured one win and one draw in their initial two La Liga games of the season, whereas Villarreal has drawn both of their encounters.
