MADRID — Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez was named man of the match in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona at the Camp Nou after scoring a free-kick and providing an assist. The performance has prompted Barcelona to consider signing the Argentine striker as a potential replacement for Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.

Alvarez's assist in the match led to a foul on Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi, resulting in Cubarsi's red card. The 25-year-old also converted a free-kick in the same game, capping a performance that earned him the man-of-the-match award.

In the current Champions League season, Alvarez has scored nine goals in 12 appearances. During the current La Liga campaign, he scored eight goals in 29 appearances.

Over two seasons with Atletico, Alvarez has made 102 appearances and scored 47 goals. His contract with the club includes a release clause of 500 million euros (£435 million), and Atletico will not sell him for less than 100 million euros (£87 million).

Atletico club president Enrique Cerezo addressed speculation around the forward's future. "He has a contract with Atletico Madrid," Cerezo said.

When asked about the possibility of a move, Alvarez offered a less definitive response. "I don't know. You never know," the Argentina striker said.