Provocation before the battle! Barcelona fans taunt Atlético with Julián Álvarez chants

Before the La Liga clash between Atlético and Barcelona in round 12, the Catalan club's supporters staged an intriguing stunt outside the Metropolitano stadium. The fans chanted: “Julián es culé”, hinting at the Argentine striker's sympathies for the Blaugrana.

Behind the episode lies a major transfer saga. In the summer of 2026, Barcelona showed serious interest in the forward and tried to negotiate his transfer. Moreover, during the World Cup, Álvarez publicly spoke about his desire to fulfill his dream and move to the Catalan club. However, Atlético's board refused to enter negotiations and had no intention of letting one of the team's leaders leave.

The situation angered some of the Madrid supporters. Álvarez was booed at the Metropolitano, and the footballer later apologized to the fans for how and when he had spoken about his future. His contract with Atlético runs until 2030.

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Now Barcelona's fans decided to remind everyone of the failed transfer just before the teams' head-to-head meeting. It made for a pointed message to the Argentine and an added provocation for the home supporters.