The relationship between Julian Alvarez and Atletico Madrid's supporters has hit breaking point. The Argentine striker endured a brutal night against Villarreal, jeered every time he touched the ball, before walking off alone at the final whistle to angry chants. The scene only fuelled speculation about his imminent departure.
According to the Spanish press, the jeers began the moment his name was read out before kick-off. When he came on in the 66th minute, the fury intensified, and some fans openly called for his exit, furious at the player's desire to move to Barcelona in the current summer transfer window.
Alvarez could not hide how much it hurt. He looked shaken throughout the match, which ended in a 2-2 draw, every touch loaded with pressure in a charged atmosphere.
After the final whistle, things turned uglier. Atletico's players went over to salute the supporters. Alvarez chose to head straight back to the dressing room alone, head bowed, jeers still ringing out, with a shirt even thrown in his direction as he left the pitch. It laid bare the depth of the tension between the player and a section of the club's fans.
Reports suggest Atletico's management stepped in to stop things boiling over, deciding that Alvarez should not approach the stands after the match in an attempt to head off a bigger crisis.
Jan Oblak tried a different tack, defending his teammate and calling for unity while Alvarez remains in the squad. Everyone knows what the Argentine can offer, he said, adding that he hoped the situation would end in a way that satisfies all parties.
All of this comes as Alvarez keeps pushing to leave Atletico Madrid, his name firmly linked with Barcelona. The club's hierarchy hold firm in their refusal to sell, which makes the final days of the window decisive for his future.
The market is about to close. What began as a striker wanting out has become an open crisis between the player, the supporters and the club, with growing questions over how the story ends.