UCL: Julian Alvarez breaks Lionel Messi’s record.

After a tightly contested first leg of the Champions League semi-final, Atlético Madrid and Arsenal drew level (1-1) at the Wanda Metropolitano. A frustrating result for the Madrilenians, who had hoped to take a slight advantage before the return to London. In a match generally tight but intense in the duels, Diego Simeone’s men could rely on their providential goalscorer, Julián Álvarez. The Argentine striker brought the two teams level again in the second half, confirming once more his importance in major European clashes.

Beyond the result, the former Manchester City player has, above all, left his mark on the competition’s history. With this new goal, he became the fastest South American to reach 25 goals in the Champions League, in just 41 appearances. He thus surpasses the previous record held by Lionel Messi, who had reached that total in 42 appearances.

A high-level statistical performance that confirms the rise of the Argentine international, now established among the continent’s offensive benchmarks. In a two-leg tie still completely open, Atlético will travel to the Emirates Stadium with the ambition to overturn the balance and pursue its European dream.