Julian Alvarez feels Atletico Madrid can challenge anyone in Champions League

Julian Alvarez believes Atletico Madrid can be a match for any team in the Champions League ahead of their clash with Arsenal.

Diego Simeone’s side struggled in the opening weeks of the season, winning just one of their first six matches, which included defeat by Liverpool at Anfield in their maiden European fixture.

But they have won four of their five matches since, thumping city rivals Real Madrid 5-2 and Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 and head to London in good spirits despite still looking for a first away victory.

Former Manchester City forward Alvarez, who has scored seven goals in his last seven Champions League appearances, told a press conference: “We didn’t start in the best way but now the team is doing very well.

“We suffered some injuries at the beginning but I think now we’re in great shape to compete with anyone.”

History does not favour Atletico, who have won only one of their last nine games against English teams, but they did come out on top in their only previous tie against Arsenal.

That came in the semi-finals of the Europa League in 2017-18, with the Spaniards drawing at the Emirates Stadium before a 1-0 victory at home sent them through to the final, where they beat Marseille.

Simeone said: “We come with the hope of putting on a great performance and securing a victory, which we need, away from home and in the Champions League, and of approaching tomorrow’s match with the intensity it deserves.”

Victory for the visitors would draw them level on points in the qualifying table with Arsenal, who have won their opening two matches against Athletic Bilbao and Olympiacos.

Atletico are likely to be without Nico Gonzalez, who suffered a head injury in Saturday’s 1-0 win against Osasuna, so Simeone’s son Giuliano could start.