Simeone explains Alvarez's departure amid full-time jeers

Julian Alvarez's abrupt departure from the pitch after Atletico Madrid's 2-2 draw with Villarreal was a club decision, so says Diego Simeone.

There were scenes of celebration as Giuliano Simeone's close-range finish salvaged a 2-2 draw for 10-man Atletico at the Metropolitano on Sunday.

However, while the Atletico players applauded the home supporters, cameras panned to Alvarez, who made a quick exit from the field. 

It was a difficult day for the former Manchester City forward, as he was jeered throughout after replacing goalscorer Marc Pubill in the 66th minute. 

The Argentinian, who signed for Atletico in 2024, has been strongly linked with a summer move away from the club, with Barcelona and Real Madrid having made approaches, while Arsenal have also been credited with an interest.

When asked about Alvarez's sudden walk-off, Simeone explained: "The people at the club told me that the club decided not to approach the stands and its people.

"The decision was made by the club to move him away and separate him so that he can come to the dressing room."

Alvarez only had 12 touches during his time on the pitch, getting off one shot and creating one goalscoring opportunity.

Asked if there was anything to be concerned over Alvarez's behaviour, Simeone responded: "I am not going to answer all of Julian's questions. I understand the concern and we can talk about what happened in the match."

However, the Atletico boss called for unity after seeing his team claim a point.

"I think I was pretty clear, we need to be together. When we did we were able to opt for important things. We need strikers. We have it and we have to take care of it," he said.

In what was an entertaining contest, Los Colchoneros took the lead through Pubill's curling strike in the 59th minute before Gerard Moreno levelled the scoreline from the penalty spot seven minutes later. 

Robin Le Normand received a red card for bringing down Georges Mikautadze inside the 18-yard box, with the Georgia international rolling his spot kick into the bottom-right corner. However, Atletico refused to give up, and they were eventually rewarded with a second in the 85th minute after Alex Baena slipped in Simeone to slot past Luiz Junior. 

Simeone added: "Analysis of the fact that at all times the team controlled the game, showed an important  face defensively, working quite well despite Oblak's saves. Against a team with important players offensively, great counter-attackers, we took charge of the game that had to be played.

"In the second half we grew and improved with the changes, we took the lead with a great goal from Pubill, and we lacked better management of that time that was ahead.

"I'm not going to dwell on the penalties, regardless of whether or not they were already whistled. We didn't manage those match times well and we had to make an incredible effort.

"The boys who came later are in a different recovery time. Giuliano was incredible, Pubill too, [Alex] Grimaldo played the 90 minutes. I like the team we have, we have to be all together and if we keep it, God can give us a title."