Much of the pre-match debate ahead of Barcelona’s home tie against Atletico Madrid was Joao Felix going against his former club and former coach in Diego Simeone.
The Portuguese forward had some less than complimentary things to say about the Argentine coach in the build-up to the game, yet he emerged with the last laugh as he struck the winning goal as Los Cules ran out 1-0 winners.
Felix had asserted that he felt much more comfortable and valued in Xavi’s system than that utilized by Simeone, and he was able to prove his worth with a fine attacking display.
Robert Lewandowski was the first player to have a chance to score, firing a shot just a whisker wide of the Atletico Madrid goal, capitalizing on a fine pass from Jules Kounde.
Barcelona had started the stronger of the two teams, but yet again the resilience of Simeone’s Atletico defense was admirable.
They moved in tandem with each other and looked solid enough as Joao Felix fired crosses into the box which were cleared with relative ease.
However, Atleti’s defensive resolve lasted until the 28th minute of play when Felix silenced his critics, and former coach with a well-struck goal.
Joao Felix after giving Barcelona the leadAP
The Portuguese star received the ball inside the penalty area and he found space within it, forcing the ball onto his strong foot before dinking a sumptuous chipped shot over the onrushing Jan Oblak.
It was a moment of pure artistry from perhaps the most naturally gifted technician on the pitch, and one which is sure to leave Atletico Madrid fans wondering what could have been for them.
Barcelona couldn’t find the second goal
Atleti remained in the game and continued to be rigid at the back, refusing to bend and give Barcelona true control of the game.
They rarely looked like scoring, although Antoine Griezmann did have a fine chance just before the half-time interval, firing a shot from inside the area goalwards, only for a defender to make a sliding block.
Oblak was called upon in injury-time of the first-half when another Felix shot was sent towards his goal, but he made a smart, reflex save with his legs.
Raphinha had the next big chance of the game, hitting the post with a speculative effort from outside of the area.
It had beaten Oblak but it rattled against the woodwork and bounced clear, once again leaving Atletico within touching distance of their opponent, despite a lack of attacking options.
Lewandowski placed another shot wide of the goal with just four minutes left, again keeping Barcelona fans in the danger zone.
Nobody can truly fault Los Colchoneros’ gameplan based on the fact it almost worked. They leaned against the ropes, took the punches but never went to the canvas. As such, it came as no surprise when they had a golden chance to steal a point with the last kick of the game.
A chance fell to Angel Correa who darted inside the box to get onto a loose ball, and his shot was goal-bound, however Inaki Pena was quick off his line and he made a smart save, closing the angle well.
It could have been a moment of pure disaster for Barcelona, who need to work on their ability to kill teams off, meanwhile Atleti continue to search for attacking solutions.
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