The spider at the heart of the storm: whistles of anger surround Alvarez at the Metropolitano

After a hot summer

The Metropolitano turned on Julian Alvarez. Atletico Madrid fans jeered the Argentine forward the moment his name rang out in the starting line-up, his first appearance before the club's supporters after a summer dominated by speculation over his future and his desire to leave.

Spanish newspaper "Marca" trace the wave of fan anger back to 25 May, when they revealed that Alvarez had met with Atletico's management and told them his dream was to continue his career at Barcelona. A highly tense period between the player and the Madrid club's fans began there.

The crisis escalated during the Club World Cup. Alvarez stirred up wide controversy on 23 June when he said: "The truth is I don't know, this is not the right time to talk about this, but I can't hide the matter or pretend otherwise... I think the best thing for everyone is a move, and for me, to achieve my dream."

Those comments lit the fuse on the future of "the Spider". Miguel Angel Gil, the chief executive of Atletico Madrid, intervened on more than one occasion to state categorically that the player would not leave the club.

Back at the Metropolitano, the impact of that crisis showed clearly in the stands. The rest of Atletico's players drew applause as their names were announced. The scene changed completely the moment it was Alvarez's turn, a barrage of jeers ringing out against the number 19 shirt.

Alvarez now faced his first real test with Atletico's fans after a turbulent summer. He was expected to give a clear sign that would restore trust between him and the stands. The reception he received confirmed that the effects of the crisis are not yet over.