Raphinha sparks frenzy with ‘Julian Alvarez’ celebration in Barcelona’s win over Elche

RAPHINHA set tongues wagging with a Spider-Man celebration on the same day Julian Alvarez was heckled by Atletico Madrid fans. Alvarez, whose nickname is La Araña (The Spider), has been trying to force his way out of Atleti this summer. Raphinha performed a Spider-Man celebration in the 5-0 win over Elche Credit: EPA Julian Alvarez uses the same hand gesture as his trademark celebration Credit: Getty And Raphinha‘s Barca are one of multiple teams the Rojiblancos have turned away. So it appeared telling that, on the same day Alvarez was given a hostile reception at the Metropolitano, Raphinha performed a celebration with the same Spider-Man hand gesture used by the Argentine after scoring Barca’s first goal in a 5-0 rout at Elche. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! The conspiracy theories were busted by Raphinha’s wife after the game, however, as she revealed on Instagram that it was actually his son, Gael, who had requested the celebration. Alvarez was jeered and whistled when he was brought on in the 67th minute of Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Villarreal. And he was not even allowed to face the supporters after the game, with boss Diego Simeone admitting his dart down the tunnel was pre-planned. He said: “It was a club decision to not let Julian Alvarez go over with his team-mates to greet the fans.” Fans had been chanting during the game: “Get him out of here, tell him to get out of here.” Evidently, Alvarez going public with his desire to leave Atletico has not gone down well. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Alvarez bolted straight down the tunnel after Atletico Madrid’s 2-2 draw with Villarreal Credit: Getty In June, while at the World Cup with beaten finalists Argentina, the former Manchester City striker said: “I spoke with the people I needed to speak with, and the best thing for everyone is a transfer. I want to fulfil my dream.” Barca reportedly had an £85.6million bid for Alvarez turned down earlier this summer but they are now understood to be prioritising other targets. Real Madrid then saw a whopping £128.4m offer knocked back, with Atletico insisting they will not sell their star forward at any price. Arsenal are understood to be keeping tabs on the situation in case Atleti bosses change their mind. Alvarez, 26, has scored 49 goals in 107 games since joining Atletico for £82m in 2024. He previously laced up for River Plate and Man City, and played an influential role as Argentina won the World Cup in 2022. Comment now