Julian Alvarez becomes second Argentine after Lionel Messi to score against Real Madrid in UCL knockout stage at Bernabeu

Atletico Madrid suffered a 2-1 defeat against Los Blancos.

Real Madrid narrowly defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match before the pivotal meeting next week. Notwithstanding the outcome, Julian Alvarez once again excelled, accomplishing an incredible accomplishment that had only been achieved by Lionel Messi in the competition.

Alvarez is having an incredible first season at Atletico Madrid, after they spent a lot of money to acquire him from Manchester City. The Argentine striker equalized the game with a thundering strike in the 32nd minute, repeating a unique feat that had previously only been achieved by Messi.

Alvarez’s goal makes him and Messi the only Argentine players who have scored against Real Madrid in the knockout stage of the Champions League at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Barcelona icon was the first to accomplish this in 2011, but the Atletico star did so in 2025.

WHAT. A. PLAYER. pic.twitter.com/hmJHqhGz2I

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) March 4, 2025

Julian Alvarez has had an incredible run in the UEFA Champions League. He previously won a title with Manchester City in 2023 after only two and a half seasons in Europe, and he currently plays a crucial part for Atletico Madrid as they aim to win the coveted Champions League trophy.

When Barcelona and Real Madrid faced off in the Champions League semifinals on April 27, 2011, Messi’s moment was historic. That evening, Barca won 2-0 at the Bernabeu thanks to a remarkable brace from the Argentine star, which included an incredible solo goal.

The Catalan club went on to beat the Los Blancos in the semi-final of the competition and reached the final, where they prevailed against Manchester United and won the trophy.

Meanwhile, Atletico still have hopes of overturning the tie when they host their local rivals at home next week.

The one-goal disadvantage keeps Diego Simeone’s team in the game, even if Atletico lost compared to Barcelona’s 2011 triumph. On Wednesday, March 12, Alvarez and company will play the second leg at Metropolitano in hopes of producing a memorable outcome.

Alvarez has more UCL goals after 26 games than Lionel Messi.

Alvarez has recorded 15 UCL goals after the first 26 games, while Lionel Messi recorded 13 goals.

Goals scored after first 26 #UCL games:Julián Alvarez: 15 ⚽️Lionel Messi: 13 ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/Mt0idtRlL6

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 4, 2025

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