Felix scores as Barcelona whip Atletico Madrid to move second

Barcelona loanee Joao Felix scored to consign parent club Atletico Madrid to their first home loss in La Liga this season.

The forward completed a slick passing sequence in the 38th minute, just moments before manager Xavi was ejected for dissent. Robert Lewandowski then extended Barcelona’s advantage, with Fermin Lopez sealing the victory in the 65th minute by nodding in from close range.

Barcelona climbed above Girona into second place, while Atletico slipped to fifth. Despite a strong start from the hosts, Atletico squandered chances, notably with Alvaro Morata missing two opportunities, paving the way for Felix, who also scored in Barcelona’s 1-0 victory against Atletico in December’s previous encounter, to open the scoring. The Portuguese forward, on loan from Atletico, tapped in to put Barcelona in control.

Atletico’s midweek Champions League exertions against Inter Milan, which ended in a victory after extra time and penalties, seemed to affect their energy levels in the second half. Lewandowski capitalized early in the second half, striking the inside of the post with clinical precision. Lopez then found himself unmarked to meet a lofted cross from the Polish striker, providing the defending champions with a comfortable advantage.

Argentinian defender Nahuel Molina received a red card in stoppage time for fouling Barcelona forward Vitor Roque as he broke clear on goal.

This defeat marked the first time Diego Simeone’s side lost a league fixture at Wanda Metropolitano since January 2023, when Barcelona secured a 1-0 win.