Atletico Madrid star on the return of Barcelona forward at Civitas Metropolitano

Barcelona are gearing up for an important clash tonight as they take on Atletico Madrid at Civitas Metropolitano.

It is a must-win game for the Catalans, in their bid to remain alive in the title race. The club are currently trailing league leaders Real Madrid by a whopping 11 points, but that gap could close to just eight if they secure a victory this evening.

As we approach this game, Joao Felix is one of the main talking points, as the Portuguese international returns to Civitas Metropolitano.

Felix is currently on loan at Barcelona until the end of the season. But the player no longer wants to return to Atletico Madrid and does not exactly have the best of relationships with the fans.

Hostility, therefore, could be expected as Felix returns to Civitas Metropolitano. In fact, Xavi Hernandez is counting on the former SL Benfica tonight and might look to hand him a start in this important game.

Will Joao Felix start vs Atletico Madrid? (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Alvaro Morata on Felix’s return

In a recent media interaction, Alvaro Morata was asked about the return of Felix to the Spanish capital.

Instead of rousing more attention, the Atletico forward was quite calm and offered a diplomatic response, adding that he still counts Felix as part of the Atleti setup.

“I am sure they will treat him with all respect, as he still belongs to this team and no one knows what might happen in the future,” he told DAZN.

Earlier this week, Diego Simeone was asked the same question. But the Argentine refused to talk about the forward, even refusing to mention his name.

Morata, though, has taken a more friendlier narrative and it seems the former Real Madrid forward is indeed excited about facing his former teammate at Civitas Metropolitano tonight.