Joao Felix’s Goal Downs Atletico Madrid as Barcelona Secures Crucial Win

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Joao Felix, on loan from Atletico Madrid to Barcelona, delivered a decisive blow against his former team by scoring the solitary goal in Barcelona’s victory at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Sunday.

The win propels Barcelona three points ahead of Atletico Madrid in the La Liga standings and places them just four points behind league leaders Girona and arch-rivals Real Madrid.

Barcelona initiated the match positively, translating their possession into chances, a facet they may not have capitalized on frequently this season. The best chance within the opening 15 minutes fell to Robert Lewandowski, who, unmarked in the penalty area, failed to find the target with an acrobatic attempt after a low cross from Raphinha.

In the 28th minute, Barcelona’s promising start materialized into a goal when Joao Felix, ironically on loan from Atletico Madrid, received a pass from Raphinha, penetrated the penalty area, and delicately chipped the ball over Jan Oblak, making it 1-0.

Barcelona maintained their dominance in the first half, and Joao Felix had an opportunity to double the lead just before halftime. His flicked effort from a Lewandowski cut-back was expertly saved by Oblak.

Despite halftime changes from Atletico Madrid, Barcelona continued to control the game, coming close to a second goal in the 58th minute when Raphinha’s shot struck the post after a quick exchange with Pedri.

As Atletico Madrid introduced Memphis Depay and Saul Niguez, they gradually regained momentum, with Antoine Griezmann hitting the side-netting during a positive spell. Memphis almost leveled the score with a brilliant free-kick, tipped onto the crossbar by Inaki Pena.

In the 85th minute, Lewandowski missed a golden opportunity to secure the win, curling his shot embarrassingly wide. Pena made a crucial save in the 92nd minute, denying Angel Correa’s powerful effort and ensuring Barcelona secured all three points.

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