Joao Felix woke up with a vengeance against his parent club, showcasing a star performance that propelled Barcelona to a 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid. The on-loan attacker haunted his former employers with the game’s only goal, ensuring Barca remain firmly in the La Liga title race.
Blaugrana Backline Holds Strong:
Inaki Pena (8.5): The young goalkeeper deputised for the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen with aplomb, pulling off three crucial saves to keep Atletico at bay.
Jules Kounde (8.0) & Ronald Araujo (8.0): The centre-back duo formed an impenetrable wall, shutting down Joao Felix’s teammates and snuffing out danger with impressive composure.
Andreas Christensen (7.0): A late inclusion, Christensen marked Alvaro Morata out of the game with intelligent positioning and timely interceptions.
Joao Cancelo (7.5): The left-back offered a solid defensive display while providing bursts of attacking impetus down the flank.
Midfield Maestro Dictates Tempo:
Frenkie de Jong (9.0): A masterclass in midfield control from the Dutchman. De Jong dictated the pace of the game, threading passes with laser precision and breaking up Atletico attacks with tireless energy.
Ilkay Gundogan (8.0): The ex-Manchester City man exuded calmness and composure, orchestrating Barca’s attacking play with his intelligent distribution and vision.
Pedri (8.5): Back to his dazzling best, Pedri’s dribbling wizardry and quick thinking unlocked the Atletico defense on numerous occasions.
Felix Haunts His Former Home:
Joao Felix (8.5): The headline act of the night. Felix showcased why Barcelona were so keen to secure his services, tormenting Atletico’s defense with his dazzling footwork and predatory finishing. His clinical strike proved the difference, silencing the Wanda Metropolitano and sending a message to his parent club.
Raphinha (7.5): A constant threat down the right flank, Raphinha’s pace and trickery caused Atletico headaches throughout the game. Although he couldn’t find the net himself, his energy and creativity were invaluable.
Robert Lewandowski (6.0): Uncharacteristically quiet by his standards, Lewandowski spurned a couple of good chances but contributed to the overall team play with his movement and hold-up play.
Substitutes:
Lamine Yamal & Ferran Torres (N/A): Came on too late to make a significant impact.
Overall:
Barcelona dug deep to secure a vital victory. While the scoreline suggests a narrow win, the performance was a display of resilience and tactical nous. Felix’s brilliance was the icing on the cake, reminding everyone of his immense talent. This win keeps Barca firmly in the title hunt, with Felix’s magic a potent weapon in their arsenal.