Julián Álvarez (foto: Getty Images)
Julián Álvarez reveals he was nervous before scoring a Panenka penalty against Real Madrid in the Madrid derby, helping Atletico Madrid secure a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu.
Julián Álvarez was at the center of attention during Saturday's intense Madrid derby at the Santiago Bernabeu, where Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid clashed in a high-stakes LaLiga encounter. With the league's top spot on the line and tensions running high from a week of provocations and verbal sparring, Álvarez took on the responsibility of a crucial first-half penalty.
Facing a chorus of whistles from the Merengue faithful, the Argentine striker kept his cool and audaciously chipped the ball in a Panenka style, sending Thibaut Courtois the wrong way to give Diego Simeone's side the lead.
Although Atletico Madrid couldn't hold onto their advantage—Kylian Mbappé equalized in the second half to secure a 1-1 draw—Álvarez's bold penalty became one of the game's standout moments. The result allowed Real Madrid to maintain their narrow one-point lead over Atletico at the top of the table.
Speaking to LaLiga's official press after the match, Álvarez reflected on the moments leading up to his daring penalty: “I won’t deny I was a bit nervous, but I was convinced. I had it clear in my mind, and it worked for the team,” he admitted.
Álvarez also shared his thoughts on the match and the valuable point Atletico earned in what was a hostile Bernabeu atmosphere: “I think we played a great match. We knew it could unfold this way. Both teams had chances. It ended in a draw, and we have to keep working,” he said.
He continued: “We knew how to suffer. They found the equalizer at just the right time because we were holding them off well. We had other chances to win it, but it didn’t happen. We have to stay on this path because we’re still in the fight, and we’ll keep pushing until the end.”
Julián Álvarez’s goal tally this season
With his goal against Real Madrid, Álvarez now has 7 LaLiga goals this season, bringing his total to 17 across all competitions, including 4 in the Copa del Rey and 6 in the Champions League.