Julian Alvarez now shares the Argentine Champions League leaderboard with Lionel Messi, after scoring his 26th competition goal in the 1‑1 draw at Stuttgart.
Atletico Madrid trailed after Leweling opened the scoring in the 36th minute, but Alvarez answered early in the second half, firing Lookman’s cross into the top corner in the 47th minute for his first goal of the season.
He had not scored since Apr. 29, when he hit the net in a 1‑1 semifinal draw with Arsenal, ending a 174‑day barren spell.
Coach Diego Simeone praised his effort after the match. “The match showcased incredible physical effort,” he said. “He operated as an inside left forward and the strike was a golazo, which makes me very happy; we need him. For my money, his work rate sets the standard for any forward.”
Simeone stressed how vital the World Cup winner is, calling him “decisive in reaching the places we need” and urging, “Let’s hope he gradually finds his best form again, as shown today.”
Lionel Messi is three games away from matching his longest career goal‑contribution streak.
Alvarez moves into elite company—will he keep climbing?
Alvarez’s goal pushed him past Hernán Crespo’s 25, placing him among the top five Argentine scorers, behind only Messi, Alfredo Di Stefano, Sergio Aguero and Lautaro Martínez.
| Player | Goals |
| 1. Lionel Messi | 129 |
| 2. Alfredo Di Stefano | 49 |
| 3. Sergio Aguero | 41 |
| 4. Lautaro Martinez | 27 |
| 5. Julian Alvarez | 26 |
| 6. Hernan Crespo | 25 |
Now Atletico Madrid will lean on Alvarez as they aim to revive their Champions League run; with four points from three games, his form could lift them higher on Argentina’s all‑time list.