by As the season enters its final stretch, Julián Álvarez has the chance to etch his name into Atlético Madrid’s record books. With 24 goals in his first campaign, the Argentine striker is just one shy of surpassing Antoine Griezmann’s debut tally. But even loftier milestones lie ahead: Christian Vieri scored 29 in his first year, and Radamel Falcao netted 36 — records Álvarez still has time to chase.
Álvarez will face Valladolid, Las Palmas, Rayo Vallecano, Alavés, Real Sociedad, Osasuna, Betis, and Girona in the final LaLiga matches, plus FIFA Club World Cup fixtures against PSG, Seattle, and Botafogo. That offers ample opportunity to boost his goal tally.
Though surpassing Baltazar’s 42 goals in 1988-89 or Pruden’s 46 in 1940 seems unlikely, Álvarez is on course to become Atlético’s top debut striker of the 21st century. His form has been a bright spot in an otherwise inconsistent season for the Colchoneros, who are increasingly focused on the international stage.
After scoring in Sevilla, Álvarez said: “We must keep working until the end.” If he keeps finding the net, the former River Plate and Manchester City star could close the year among Atlético’s most memorable first-season performers.
