Video: Julián Álvarez nets stunning free-kick for Atlético

Julián Álvarez made headlines in Spain after scoring a breathtaking free-kick for Atlético Madrid in their LaLiga season opener against Espanyol. The Argentine forward, who joined Atlético from Manchester City last year, produced a moment of pure brilliance in the 37th minute.

Standing over the ball just outside the box, Álvarez curled his effort over the wall and into the top corner, leaving Espanyol goalkeeper Marko Dmitrović frozen on the line. The strike gave Atlético a 1-0 lead and immediately set the tone for their new campaign.

Spanish media described it as a golazo — a spectacular goal that not only gave Atlético an advantage but also showed why the club had invested heavily in Álvarez. Clips of the free-kick quickly went viral on social media, with many fans and pundits calling it an early contender for goal of the season.

This goal also carried special significance. It was Álvarez’s first LaLiga goal in the 2025/26 season and came at a crucial time when Atlético are looking to reassert themselves as strong contenders for the league title.