Atletico Madrid launch furious broadside at Barcelona over Julian Alvarez affair

The ongoing saga between Barcelona, Alvarez, and Atletico Madrid has churned the waters between the Metropolitano and Camp Nou so violently that the ensuing wave could be enormous.

Initially, there was the purported €100 million bid for the Argentine striker, a claim denied by the Colchonero club, whose retort was brimming with wit.

Using the 'Here We Go' catchphrase from transfer guru Fabrizio Romano on social media, they dangled concert tickets, sunflower seeds, and a subscription to ABC newspaper as bait to sign Lamine Yamal, a clear dig at Florentino Perez. Then followed another alleged offer for Pedri and the 'announcement' of Raphinha's loan to Atleti in exchange for loaning Tom Ford and Smith without a purchase option.

They even capped it off with a final joke, denying any approach to Barcelona director Deco to join their scouting department.

However, that light-hearted tone dissipated entirely only minutes later, as they launched into a clear and forceful attack, accusing Barcelona of destabilisation, information leaks, and disrespect, while also bringing up the Negreira case, which remains unresolved and under investigation as Barcelona are alleged to have paid millions of euros over many years to the former vice president of the refereeing committee during his tenure.

"No, Atletico de Madrid would never stoop to such behaviour. However, for the past few months, we have endured an unrelenting smear campaign targeting one of our players," read a social media post.

"Deliberate leaks, fake news, constant disrespect, the culé version of the propaganda apparatus concocting minor tales, phone calls before head-to-head clashes… But naturally, it would never cross our minds to have the vice president of the referees on the payroll or to rely on political favours to register players. RESPECT and VALUES."