Tensions are rising ahead of the Atletico Madrid and Barcelona semifinal clash in the Copa del Rey, sparked by comments from Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo regarding Julian Alvarez. The Atletico camp has reportedly taken issue with the remarks.
Araujo was asked about Alvarez in a recent interview and expressed his admiration for the forward.
“For me, Julian is a great player. For me, one of the best strikers in the world, and the best should be at the best clubs, which is us,” Araujo stated in an interview with Mundo Deportivo.
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Reports indicate that Atletico Madrid officials have deemed Araujo’s comments disrespectful and are not pleased with the sentiment.
Atletico intends to use the comments as motivation when Barcelona visits the Metropolitano for the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal on Friday, February 13, 2026.
Araujo’s remarks come amid speculation surrounding Alvarez’s future at Atletico. Barcelona has been linked with a potential move for the Argentinian forward.
Julian Alvarez is currently under contract with Atletico until 2030. His recent form has come under scrutiny, as he’s experienced a prolonged scoring drought in domestic competitions.
The 26-year-vintage last found the back of the net in a domestic league match in early November, when Atletico defeated Sevilla 3-0. Since then, he has appeared in 19 games across all competitions, scoring only three goals – all in the Champions League.
(nds/krs)
