Alvarez leapfrogs Messi to become fastest Argentinian to 25 UCL goals
Madrid, April 30
Argentina striker Julian Alvarez outclassed legend Lionel Messi to become the fastest player from his country to reach 25 UEFA Champions League goals.
Alvarez played a crucial role in keeping Atletico's bid for a fourth UCL alive with a fine penalty conversion in the 56th minute, with the clash in Madrid against Arsenal ending in a 1-1 stalemate.
Now, Alvarez has scored 25 goals in 41 UCL matches, leapfrogging Messi, who scored his 25th goal in his 42nd match, followed by Sergio Aguero, who achieved this milestone in 48 matches.
The top three goal-scorers in UCL are Cristiano Ronaldo (141 goals), Messi (129 goals) and Robert Lewandowski (109 goals).
Now, the second leg between these two sides on May 6 in London will decide who will make it to the final against either Bayern Munich or the defending champions, Paris Saint-Germain, with PSG coming out on top 5-4 in a thrilling first leg.
A string of half-chances were witnessed in the tightly contested first half before a penalty was converted into a goal by Viktor Gyokeres in the 44th minute, bringing some life into the contest just before halftime, as per UCL's official website.
Piero Hincapie, Martin Odegaard, and Noni Madueke had made scoring attempts for the Gunners, and Julian Alvarez also stung the palms of David Raya courtesy of some magical footwork in the 14th minute, but it was Viktor who drew the first blood with a powerful kick after being brought down by David Hancko.
But 12 minutes after the break, the scores were level. Alvarez, Ademola Lookman, and Antoine Griezmann looked absolutely threatening, but it was a penalty conversion from Argentinian star Alvarez after a handball from Ben White that brought back some hope into the hosts' camp.
Diego Simeone-managed side saw some fantastic football played in the second half, but the opportunities did not get converted into goals on the scoresheet, with Griezmann striking the crossbar and Lookman giving Raya some serious headache. The scoreline stayed unchanged, taking the decider to London.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I'm a Messi fan through and through, but even I have to give credit where it's due. Alvarez has been brilliant for Argentina and Atletico. But let's not forget, Messi's overall contribution to football is incomparable. Still, this is a proud moment for Argentine football. The second leg should be interesting!
Cricket is my first love, but this UCL season has me hooked! Alvarez is proving why he's a World Cup winner. The way he handled the pressure penalty was pure class. And Simeone's tactics? Typical Atletico grit. Hope they finish the job in London. 🤞
People always compare with Messi, but that's not fair. Messi built his legacy over decades. Alvarez is just getting started. But I must say, Atletico's defense was shaky today. Arsenal could've scored more. Ben White's handball was also silly. Next match will be a thriller!
As a football fan from India, this just shows how new talents keep emerging. Messi's record stood for so long, and now Alvarez breaks it. But honestly, the whole match was intense—Gyokeres scoring, then Alvarez equalizing. Griezmann hitting the crossbar was unlucky. Can't wait for the return leg! ⚽
I appreciate Alvarez's achievement, but I feel the media hypes these 'fastest to' records too much. Messi played in a different era, with different challenges. What matters is the team's success. Atletico drew at home—that's not ideal. They need to win
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