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9 months ago
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The Wanda Metropolitano was an absolute fortress earlier this week as one of the best sides in Europe, Inter Milan, visited Atletico Madrid for the second-leg of the Champions League round of 16.
The home crowd really acted as Atletico’s 12th man as they tried to come back after a 1-0 loss against Inter in the first-leg.
The noise in the stadium was incredible, and the support unparalleled as Atleti did the improbable and knocked out Inter on penalties, putting an end to one of the Champions League favourites.
They had a similar job tonight, too, as Diego Simeone’s men hosted Barcelona for La Liga gameweek 29. And while Atleti seemed in control for most of the first-half, all hell broke loose once Joao Félix found the net before half-time.
Robert Lewandowski and Fermin Lopez also slotted once each as Barcelona cruised to a super impressive 0-3 win against the side with the best home record this season in La Liga.
Felix’s brother fires at Atletico
Of course, while Lewandowski stole the limelight with his goal and two assists, Felix’s goal was the main talking point of the night. The Portuguese had already netted one goal earlier this season against Atletico, and only added insult to injury tonight.
Following the game, his younger brother, Hugo Felix sent out a cryptic tweet, posting photos of Joao Félix with a ‘laughing emoji’.
— Hugo Félix (@HFelix18) March 17, 2024While it is not clear if the tweet is aimed at Atleti, the Felix family and the player’s management has been vocal in the past about how Joao has been unhappy in Madrid, and how this loan spell at Barcelona has done him a world of good.
What does the future hold for Felix?
Felix’s performances so far this season, though, have not particularly been up to the mark, always.
While he has had a fair few clutch moments, including goals against Atletico, Porto, Real Betis, among others, his overall display often leaves a lot to be desired.
Not to mention, while Barcelona appreciate him, they will likely be priced out of a move by Atletico, who are looking for nearly €70-80 million for him in an attempt to parent back some of the €125 million they shelled out for him.
Barcelona, meanwhile, could pursue a second loan with could either have an obligation to buy the player for a lower price, or an option to, for presumably a higher price.
It all depends on how Barcelona manage their business ahead of the summer transfer window, and what Felix can do leading up to that because right now, his spot is in danger.
