Rojiblanco Reunion at Mestalla: Alvarez and Gallagher Against Their Talisman
Atlético de Madrid travels to Mestalla with the firm intention of getting back on the winning track after two draws that have left a bittersweet taste. Saturday’s match has a special meaning for two key players in the Rojiblancos squad: Julián Alvarez and Conor Gallagher, who precisely against Valencia celebrated their first goals as colchoneros.
It was on the fifth matchday of last season when the Metropolitano vibrated with the goalscoring debut of both. Gallagher opened the scoring with a goal that showed his goalscoring nose, after an assist from Rodrigo de Paul.
Alvarez, for his part, sealed the victory in added time, showing his killer instinct inside the area. That day, Simeone surprised with Sorloth accompanying Griezmann in the attack.
For the match in Valencia, Alvarez is expected to be part of the starting eleven, while Gallagher could wait for his opportunity on the bench, a situation that has been repeated in recent matchdays, with Samu Lino gaining ground in Cholo’s scheme.
The absences of Barrios, sanctioned, and Koke, injured, opened the door to Gallagher’s starting position in the center of the field, but everything points to Llorente accompanying De Paul in the double pivot. Without a doubt, the match against Valencia is an opportunity for Atlético to demonstrate their ambition and solidity, with Alvarez and Gallagher ready to leave their mark in the Metropolitano.
