Barcelona's Joao Felix issues Atletico Madrid message after match-winning goal

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 4 Dec 2023 13:08 GMT
• 3 min read

Barcelona’s La Liga clash against Atletico Madrid on Sunday evening was expected to be a fiery affair for one main reason.

Of course, they are both vying for the Spanish top flight title, but Joao Felix was the main storyline going into the game.

The Portugal international is on loan at Barcelona from Atletico Madrid after a one-year loan deal was agreed on Transfer Deadline Day. Felix’s move to the Blaugrana came after he stated it was his “dream” to play for Barca this summer - a comment that did not resonate well amongst the Atleti fanbase.

Due to Spanish rules, loan players are eligible to play against their parent club, and it was written in the stars that Felix would play a key role in the game.

He scored the only goal of the match in a 1-0 win for Barcelona, and controversially celebrated after netting versus his parent club.

After being found by Raphinha, Felix took one touch to take the ball past the defender before producing a delicate left-footed lob over Jan Oblak in the 28th minute. He then proceeded to jump onto the advertising boards and lift his arms up akin to Jude Bellingham.

What has Felix said?

After the game, Felix spoke to the press and admitted, via Fabrizio Romano: “Every single week they speak about me. I’m always a topic in the media but I’m calm”.

“I don’t look at what they say. I’m only working hard to improve. Let me say thanks to Barca, they welcomed me in the best way.”

Felix’s comments came after it was revealed that Atletico Madrid would welcome him back to the club next summer if Barcelona decide against purchasing him on a permanent deal.

The Portuguese star now has five goals and three assists in 17 appearances for Barcelona this campaign.

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