Dec 3, 2023—It had to be him.
Barça clinches 1-0 victory against Atletíco Madrid
With tensions rising, 34,568 spectators watched as the Blaugrana began to charge across the field. Around the 28th minute, Brazilian winger Raphinha narrowed down, passing the ball to an awaiting João Félix. Félix chips the ball past Atletíco’s goalkeeper, Jan Oblak, as roars from the crowd fill the stadium.
The Portuguese forward climbs the advertising boards, facing the away team’s supporters as he raises his arms in celebration. In a post-match interview, Felix mentions “The celebration was spontaneous. It was a release of everything I had been through last summer.”
It had to be João Félix getting revenge against his former team, Atletico Madrid, who signed the 24-year-old in 2019 for a staggering €126m. After a challenging Summer, travelling 33,000 kilometres only to not play a minute on Atletico’s pre-season tour, it was time for a change.
Embed from Getty ImagesOn September 1st, the news was announced that João Félix would come to Barcelona on loan until June 2024. “I needed to change, I needed to go to a place where I could practice my football.” Félix mentions in a September interview with Mundo Deportivo.
In the 2023-2024 season so far, Félix has acquired 5 goals and 3 assists for the veteran club across La Liga and Champions League matches. (5-0 goal, Real Betis), (5-0 goal and assist Royal Antwerp), (3-2 assist, Celta Vigo), (1-0 assist, Athletic Club), (2-1 goal, FC Porto), (1-0 goal, Atletico Madrid).
Leading up to the match, all eyes were on Félix with the recent strain between him and his former club. In an post-match interview with ESPN, Félix responds in light of the recent criticism. “It’s normal for a football player to receive critiques. But, we are here to play and to improve in every game,” Felix says. Felix also downplays the tension between him and his former teammates. “I hope they do well, not just against us!”
Embed from Getty ImagesThroughout the match, the tension grew from the two opponents into multiple yellow cards and verbal displays on the pitch. “The games between Atletico and Barcelona are always tough. A lot of duels and fights.”
With Felix’s single goal, reigning league champions Barcelona surpassed another tough opponent to put on additional points in their La Liga campaign. “We are very happy with him, he’s working hard, he’s delivering.” says Barcelona coach, Xavi Hernandez, expressing his delight with Felix in a post-match conference.