‘Anything can happen’ – Diego Simeone opens door for dramatic Julian Alvarez exit amid intense Arsenal & Barcelona interest

While the Alvarez saga continues to simmer in the background, Alex Baena has emerged as the new talisman for Simeone’s side. The Spain international, fresh from a successful World Cup campaign where he started seven of eight games, produced a masterclass against Sevilla. Baena scored twice and provided the creative spark that Atleti have sometimes lacked in recent seasons. His performance was a reminder that life can go on without Alvarez, though Simeone would undoubtedly prefer to keep both talents at his disposal for the upcoming Champions League campaign.

“He was unbalanced – last year he started at a very good level and we could put him anywhere, and he would always respond,” Simeone said. “The confidence, security, joy and the emotional aspect of the World Cup was very good for him, and today I told him this would serve to enhance everything he is. He is a difference-maker and we see him at that level. He showed that today, and we are going to demand that level from him.”