According to Diario AS, Catalan striker Arnau Ortiz is close to making his debut for Atlético Madrid's first team after scoring 2 goals and providing 1 assist during preseason. He is expected to start in the upcoming match against Málaga.

This is a story that reads like a film with a beautiful ending. Over the past two years, Arnau Ortiz has followed the path that every footballer dreams of treading, composing a hymn to struggle and perseverance. The Catalan striker, who turns 25 in October, left Cartagena in summer 2024 and went to Poland seeking opportunity. It was a difficult season, playing football in a different environment and dropping down to Segunda División. Then came the call from Atlético Madrid B. Yes, the reserve team, but they desperately needed a goalscorer. Fernando Torres gave Arnau a platform, and he made himself indispensable. He repaid the faith with 23 goals and won the Primera Federación Golden Boot. This performance earned him the chance to prepare with Simeone for preseason. According to Diario AS, Simeone wanted him to stay and reserved a spot for him in the first team. He is now wearing number 16, a vacant number left after Nahuel Molina's departure. This is a reward for his hard work and risk-taking. He knew that joining Atlético Madrid B at his age meant he couldn't play for the first team without returning to the reserve squad. It's also a reward for consistently turning down offers from La Liga and Segunda División clubs who called him, because he knew he had a chance with Simeone and wanted to seize it until the final moment. He scored against Getafe and Manchester United and provided an excellent assist to Carlos Martín against Marseille. Those standout performances and his goal-scoring instinct in the penalty area didn't go unnoticed. "There's no way to explain this with just a few words. It wasn't easy to reach this point, and I feel very fortunate. It's special and exciting. I've always tried to learn, not put pressure on myself, and enjoy the process, and everything has gone well. I don't believe in coincidence; we're just one step away from promotion, and Atlético Madrid B players have proven themselves in the first team, showing they're ready. This was a life-changing season. Representing Atlético Madrid B filled me with hope. Playing for Atlético Madrid's reserve team is my dream. I want to thank everyone—Fernando Torres, my teammates, the medical staff. I can adapt to any attacking position. I also think of my family, those who have always stood by me," Arnau said following the announcement. With Julián Álvarez still not back to full form after his return and Sørløth sidelined by injury, Simeone needs goals and impact, and Arnau Ortiz's performance has been flawless. He has proven that a late bloomer can succeed, and he deserves to be on this stage. The most exciting part of this perfect story may unfold this Wednesday, when Arnau gets his chance to debut in La Liga. He is expected to start against Málaga, paired with Lautaro Martínez in attack. If so, he will show the Metropolitano crowd the power of his shot and his goal-scoring ability, just as he did in Alcalá.

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