Julian Alvarez hailed as 'most complete centre forward in football' after Atletico Madrid's UEFA Champions League win over Barcelona

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Julian Alvarez scored his ninth goal of this season's UEFA Champions League to put Atletico Madrid in control of their quarter-final tie with Barcelona. The Argentina international has scored more goals than any previous Atleti player in a single Champions League campaign, and TNT Sports expert Karen Carney believes the talented 26-year-old is the "most complete centre forward" in football.

Carney: Alvarez 'the most complete centre-forward in football'

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Julian Alvarez has been hailed as "the most complete centre forward in football" after his superb free-kick sent Atletico Madrid on their way to a statement 2-0 victory at Barcelona in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final at the Camp Nou.

Diego Simeone’s side have already knocked Barcelona out in each of their previous two knockout meetings in the competition - and now look firmly on track to repeat the feat, with TNT Sports expert Karen Carney delivering the ultimate compliment to their top marksman.

The hosts had looked the more likely to break the deadlock on Wednesday night in an open first half in Catalonia, with Marcus Rashford testing Juan Musso on three occasions.

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But Barcelona - who have developed an unwanted reputation for deploying a high line under Hansi Flick - were caught out on the counter-attack when Alvarez's pinpoint pass found Giuliano Simeone, whose run through on goal was checked by Pau Cubarsi.

Referee Istvan Kovacs initially deemed the foul worthy of a yellow card, but it was upgraded to a red upon VAR review. Alvarez delivered the double punishment with a sublime free-kick to silence the home crowd.

It was the Argentinian forward's ninth goal in the Champions League this season, and Carney believes there is no better player currently in his position across the continent.

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Reflecting on the game's main turning point, Carney told TNT Sports: "Barcelona were dominant and in control. One bit of madness, a brilliant ball over the top from Alvarez, and Curbasi gets caught. There's not a lot he could do.

"Alvarez did brilliantly in the build up, and there was a tangle of legs. He has been linked with Barcelona, which is interesting.

"I think he's the most complete centre forward in football at the moment. He links up the play, he can run in behind, his work ethic, he takes set pieces. He's got it all as a centre forward."

Alvarez was cast as Erling Haaland's deputy during his time at Manchester City, but Pep Guardiola wouldn't stand in his way when Atletico tabled a reported £81.5 million offer in August 2024.

The 26-year-old's nine Champions League goals in 12 appearances this season is more than any Atletico player has achieved in a single campaign in the history of the competition.

Joe Cole added: "He's a real talent, this lad. I think Manchester City have missed Alvarez ever since he walked out the door. It's a wonderful free-kick, and I love watching him play football. He's brilliant.

"You have to get punished for bad defending, and Curbasi just sleeps for a split second, and it's clumsy.

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"I think he's a very good player but I don't think he's cute enough to try to clip his legs and then pretend he didn't mean it.

"Then [Giuliano] Simeone has his arms up [appealing for a red card] just like his dad. Imagine playing Monopoly around the Simeones... it would be absolutely ridiculous!"

Speaking to the media after the match, midfielder Giuliano Simeone underlined Alvarez's importance.

"Whether Barcelona have one less player or one more, they play identically," he said. "We had to adapt to what the game demanded. That's what makes us a better team.

"Julian scored a fantastic goal. He's an extraordinary player for Atletico. I'm thrilled for him, because I know how hard he works, and how humble he is. He's super important for us."

Atletico tightened their grip on the tie midway through the second half, as Matteo Ruggeri delivered from the left and Alexander Sorloth finished emphatically from close range.

Despite Barcelona's territorial dominance, and renewed urgency after the break, their efforts were blunted by Atletico's defensive resolve.

A free-kick from Rashford rattled the crossbar, but it proved a rare opening against a side content to absorb pressure and strike with precision.

The result leaves Barcelona facing a daunting task in the second leg, with Atletico now firmly in control and within sight of a semi-final against either Arsenal or Sporting.

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"We’re delighted with the win, but there's still a lot of work to be done,” said Antoine Griezmann. "The semi-final is still a long way off. We need to stay calm and confident, but keep our feet on the ground."

Cole believes Barcelona head coach Flick left his side too exposed following his half-time substitutions, so soon after being reduced to 10 men.

Robert Lewandowski and Pedri were replaced by Gavi and Fermin Lopez, meaning another defender was not brought on to fill the void left by Curbasi.

"I thought [Juan] Musso in goal for Atleti was outstanding, but Hansi Flick's substitutions at half-time, he got wrong," added Cole.

"I thought he needed to trust his players. I still think they can go to Atleti and win the game, but I'm not sure if they can now win the tie.

"They needed to show a bit more composure. It's great to watch them going full throttle, but it's given them a mountain to climb."

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