La Liga: Álvarez booed by Atlético Madrid fans in Villarreal draw

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Julián Álvarez was booed by Atlético Madrid supporters as his side were held to a 2-2 draw by Villarreal in La Liga amid growing speculation over the forward’s future.

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Álvarez started the match on the bench but was jeered by sections of the Atlético support while warming up.

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As reported by BBC Sport on Sunday, the reaction intensified when he came on in the 66th minute.

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The Argentina international has been linked with a move away from Atlético and reportedly wants to leave the club to fulfil his ambitions.

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Arsenal and Barcelona have been mentioned as possible destinations before the transfer deadline on 1 September.

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Atlético took the lead shortly before the hour mark when Marc Pubill curled a fine effort into the net.

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Villarreal responded quickly, with Gerard Moreno converting from the penalty spot to level the game.

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The visitors then appeared to take control after Atlético defender Robin le Normand was sent off in the 76th minute for a foul on Georges Mikautadze inside the area.

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Mikautadze stepped up and converted the resulting penalty to put Villarreal ahead.

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However, Atlético refused to surrender and equalised with five minutes remaining. A swift counter-attack ended with Giuliano Simeone sliding the ball home to rescue a point for the hosts.

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Álvarez headed straight down the tunnel at full-time, drawing further boos from the home supporters. Atlético manager Diego Simeone later suggested the forward’s early departure had been agreed by the club beforehand.

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The result leaves Atlético with four points from their opening two La Liga matches, while Villarreal have two points after drawing both of their games.

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