Julian Alvarez booed by Atletico Madrid fans as Simeone's son rescues draw

Atletico Madrid looked set for another painful afternoon after being reduced to 10 men and falling behind against Villarreal, but Giuliano Simeone struck late to rescue a dramatic 2-2 draw for his father Diego Simeone's side.

The late goal capped a chaotic contest that featured two penalties, a red card, VAR drama and an angry reaction from sections of the Atletico support towards Julian Alvarez.

Giuliano Simeone delivers when Atletico needed him most

With Villarreal leading 2-1 and Atletico down to 10 men, the hosts appeared to be heading for defeat. But they found a way back in the closing stages.


Alex Baena launched a counter-attack and picked out Giuliano Simeone on the right. The 23-year-old kept his composure and produced a controlled finish past Villarreal goalkeeper Luiz Junior to make it 2-2.

The goal spared Atletico from defeat after the match had swung dramatically against them following Robin Le Normand's sending-off.

Red card and penalty turn the game

Atletico had broken the deadlock in the 59th minute when Marc Pubill unleashed a superb effort from outside the area, curling the ball into the top corner.

Villarreal responded seven minutes later. A foul on Tajon Buchanan resulted in a penalty, and Gerard Moreno stepped up to beat Jan Oblak and bring the visitors level.

The bigger turning point arrived in the 76th minute. Le Normand brought down Georges Mikautadze, with VAR playing a role in the decision that resulted in another penalty and a red card for the Atletico defender.

Mikautadze converted from the spot to put Villarreal 2-1 ahead, leaving Atletico facing an uphill battle with time running out.

Julian Alvarez faces boos from Atletico fans

The tension at the stadium was not limited to events on the pitch. Julian Alvarez was targeted by sections of Atletico supporters after recent speculation surrounding his future.

The Argentine striker was booed while warming up and again when his name was announced among the substitutes. The reaction intensified when he entered the match in the 66th minute, with some fans chanting for him to leave.

The hostility reportedly followed Alvarez after the final whistle, when he headed towards the dressing room as other Atletico players acknowledged the crowd.

The reaction comes after Alvarez spoke about discussing a possible future move as he looks to fulfil a personal ambition, with Barcelona heavily linked with the forward.

Atletico Madrid escape with a point

For Diego Simeone, the draw will bring mixed emotions. Atletico showed resilience to fight back after losing a man and falling behind, but the performance also exposed the tension surrounding the team on and off the field.

Giuliano Simeone's late intervention ensured Atletico avoided defeat, turning what had appeared to be a damaging afternoon into a dramatic escape.

(With Reuters inputs)