Trending Now - Álvarez Credits Messi for Inspiring Free-kick Goal Against Barça

WHO:

Sportskeeda - Julián Álvarez, Argentina captain Lionel Messi, Atlético Madrid, Barcelona

ESPN - Diego Simeone, Alexander Sørloth, Atlético president Enrique Cerezo, Barcelona president Joan Laporta

WHAT:

Sportskeeda - Julián Álvarez scored a free-kick goal in a 2-0 UEFA Champions League win against Barcelona.

ESPN - Álvarez's free kick gave Atlético Madrid the lead against Barcelona in their Champions League quarterfinal.

ESPN - The free kick increased Álvarez's goal tally for the season to 18.

ESPN - Atlético Madrid won the first leg of the quarterfinal 2-0.

WHERE:

Sportskeeda - Camp Nou, Barcelona

ESPN - Atlético Madrid's home ground, Metropolitano

WHEN:

ESPN - The match took place on April 5th, 2026.

ESPN - Álvarez joined Atlético Madrid in a €75 million transfer from Manchester City in 2024.

ESPN - Robert Lewandowski's contract with Barcelona expires in June 2026.

WHY:

ESPN - Álvarez credited Messi for inspiring his free-kick goal, referencing Messi's goal against Liverpool in May 2019.

ESPN - Atlético president Enrique Cerezo stated that he will decide when Álvarez leaves the club, emphasizing the importance of his contract.

HOW:

ESPN - Álvarez practiced free kicks the day before the match but had not converted any until the game.

ESPN - Álvarez curled the free kick into the top corner of the goal.

(UPDATED April 9, 2026 11:20 UTC)

In a thrilling UEFA Champions League quarterfinal match on Sunday, Julián Álvarez scored a stunning free-kick goal, leading Atlético Madrid to a 2-0 victory over Barcelona at Camp Nou. This impressive goal marked Álvarez's 18th of the season and was inspired by Lionel Messi's iconic free-kick against Liverpool in May 20th19. Atlético Madrid's president, Enrique Cerezo, emphasized the importance of Álvarez's contract, stating that he will determine when the talented player leaves the club.