"It Was A Mistake": Julian Alvarez Apologises To Atletico Fans After Match-Winning Goal

Julian Alvarez continued his road to redemption by scoring as Atletico Madrid beat Deportivo La Coruna 1-0 on Saturday, closing the gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona to two points while apologising to the club's supporters for trying to leave during the summer. Diego Simeone's side are second in the table, with reigning champions Barcelona set to host Real Madrid, who are third, in El Clasico at Camp Nou on Sunday. Alvarez scored for the second consecutive game after netting his first goal of the season in Atletico's 1-1 UEFA Champions League draw against Stuttgart in midweek.

Atletico supporters heavily criticised Alvarez during his first appearances this season after he attempted to force a move away from the club in the summer, but tensions have gradually eased.

After the match, Alvarez apologised to the fans and admitted it had been a "mistake" on his part.

"I understand people's anger. I would have been angry too," Alvarez told Movistar.

Simeone was pleased with the Argentina international's apology.

"It's not easy to say sorry. I'm very happy for him, he will feel very at peace," said the coach.

"We need him. If the club wants to reach where the fans dream, we need a very good Julian Alvarez."

Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak believes Alvarez will win back the supporters over the coming weeks.

"I'm happy for him, he's giving the best of himself, a lot of effort, and I'm sure bit by bit he'll win over the fans again," Oblak told Movistar.

"He's a great player, he's shown it already and he's on the road to showing it again. We need him in the best form possible."

The home fans at the Metropolitano Stadium directed a few whistles at the team after a sluggish start, with Deportivo creating the best chance of the first half.

Oblak produced a fine save to deny Lorenzo Amatucci, while Atletico lacked attacking spark at the other end.

Early in the second half, Alvarez found the breakthrough.

Alejandro Grimaldo drilled a dangerous low cross towards the far post, where the Argentine bundled the ball over the line.

Alvarez nearly grabbed a second goal after a slick team move, with Alex Baena threading through a pass, but Deportivo goalkeeper Leo Roman denied him with a save to the face.

The former Manchester City striker looked closer to his best after struggling with fitness issues earlier in the campaign.

After apologising to Atletico supporters, Alvarez admitted he was gradually rediscovering his form.

"I'm starting to feel good... I'm grateful to all my teammates because they've supported me. They've really stuck by me throughout this whole time," said Alvarez.

"I'm working to improve. I've felt better in these last few matches."

Deportivo forward Kevin Sanchez squandered two excellent chances in stoppage time.

"In the first half we played quite badly. In the second, better, but then we dipped again at the end," added Oblak. "We had a bit of luck."

Mikautadze Strikes Late

Earlier, Georges Mikautadze snatched a late 2-1 victory for Villarreal against Valencia in a derby clash in which both sides finished with 10 men.

The Yellow Submarine came from behind to secure the win, climbing into mid-table while leaving Javier Aguirre's Valencia in 19th place and inside the relegation zone.

Pepelu gave Valencia the lead from the penalty spot in the first half before American defender Alex Freeman headed Villarreal level in the 69th minute at Mestalla.

Inigo Perez's Villarreal were reduced to 10 men when Pape Gueye caught Jose Gaya in the face with an elbow.

However, English midfielder Harvey Elliott, on loan from Liverpool, was soon sent off after picking up two quick yellow cards for dissent.

Villarreal striker Mikautadze sealed the victory in stoppage time, racing through on goal and finishing clinically to secure all three points.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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