Liga: Joao Felix’s FC Barcelona wins the shock against Atlético de Madrid and climbs onto the podium

This Sunday evening’s meeting in La Liga between Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona smelled of sulfur. Before the match, Joao Felix’s words about the Madrid club were bound to get people talking in the Madrid locker room. This Sunday, the Portuguese, who still belongs to the Colchoneros, logically appeared in the eleven lined up by Xavi in ​​this clash for the podium between the third and fourth in the standings who had the same number of points before this meeting (31). And from the first moments of the match, the rhythm was set with the Catalans dominating.

Infernal at the start of the game, Robert Lewandowski, singled out in recent weeks, stood out thanks to three big chances (2nd, 6th, 12th). Blocked the first time, the Polish striker was ultimately too clumsy to open the scoring on his other two attempts. Dominant, the locals continued to put pressure on Diego Simeone’s flock. Monopolizing the ball, the club culé then opened the scoring before the half-hour mark. Found on the left of the area following a tumble from Raphinha, Joao Felix, after a lucky check, managed to deceive Jan Oblak with a clever lob (1-0, 28th). And despite some sluggish reactions from an invisible Atlético in the first period (33rd, 36th), Barça returned to the locker room with a more than logical score advantage and which deserved to be larger.

Barça held on despite a tough end to the match

In the second half, the pace dropped slightly. Thanks to some tactical adjustments from Diego Simeone (entries from Angel Correa, Samuel Lino and César Azpilicueta), the visitors showed a slightly more conquering face. However, the Catalan threat was still present and Raphinha found the right post after a good strike. Displaying a rather disconcerting mastery with an omnipotent Pedri in the midfield, Barça never showed a real desire to go for the break despite the vicious outside foot of Joao Felix (69th).

Obviously, this gave a slight hope to the Matelassiers as Diego Simeone launched Memphis Depay and Saul Niguez to get a draw. After Morata’s failed attempt at the near post (62nd), it was the former OL who stood out after a nice free kick perfectly saved by Inaki Pena with the help of the crossbar ( 80th). And after an end to the match marked by a lot of nervousness on both sides, the outcome of this shock was uncertain, like the huge opportunity for Angel Correa in added time (90+3rd). Finally, and as the ball went from one area to another during the last quarter of an hour, it was the Catalans who left with the victory. A success which allows them to climb to third place in the ranking, instead of their evening opponent.