Atletico Madrid’s six-match winning run came to an end as they were held to a 1-1 draw by VfB Stuttgart in the UEFA Champions League, with teammate Alex Grimaldo describing Julian Alvarez as the club’s “best player”.
Alvarez brought Atletico level shortly after half-time, scoring his first goal for the club this season. However, Diego Simeone’s side had to withstand the closing 25 minutes with 10 men following Morten Hjulmand’s red card.
The result ended a run of six consecutive victories for Atletico Madrid, who had travelled to Germany in strong form.
Alvarez’s goal comes as he attempts to re-establish himself in Simeone’s plans after being unable to secure a move to Barcelona during the summer.
The Argentinian was at the centre of a dispute between the two LaLiga clubs in August, when Atletico Madrid refused outright to sell him to a direct rival.
Despite that uncertainty, his importance to Simeone’s team was underlined by Grimaldo after the match.
“Julian is our best player. He’s been creating chances for a few games now and he needed that goal,” said Grimaldo.
“Hopefully, it’s the first of many for him this season.”