SUMMARY
- On March 17, 2024, FC Barcelona defeated Atletico Madrid 3-0 during their La Liga match.
- Joao Felix, who's currently on loan from Atletico Madrid to FC Barcelona, scored against his parent club.
FC Barcelona marked an impressive 3-0 victory against Atletico Madrid in La Liga on March 17, 2024. It has been a tough season domestically for FC Barcelona, who are currently placed second in the league behind Real Madrid. Moreover, the club has lost several of its first-team players due to injuries. However, the Catalans romped to a historic victory against Atletico Madrid, with Joao Felix coming back to haunt his team.
Despite a shaky start to the game, FC Barcelona managed to grab the lead, with Joao Felix once again scoring a goal against his parent club. Felix, who joined FC Barcelona on loan from Atletico Madrid, had scored in the home fixture against Los Rojiblancos. In the away fixture yesterday, Felix once again returned to haunt his parent club in front of the raucous Atletico supporters.
Robert Lewandowski put in a man-of-the-match performance as he scored once and provided two assists for FC Barcelona. Yesterday’s defeat was the first time that Atletico Madrid had lost at home since January 2023, when they were defeated again by FC Barcelona. After the match, Felix tried to mend his relationship with the Atletico supporters in an interview with ESPN.
🚨 João Félix: “Atlético fans do not know the things that happened here during the time I’ve been here”.
“The fans don’t know what happened here inside, I understand them but I shouldn’t be seen as the bad guy. Even my relationship with Atléti players is very good”, told ESPN. pic.twitter.com/RaDoV8nzMx
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 18, 2024
He said, “The fans don’t know what happened here inside, I understand them but I shouldn’t be seen as the bad guy.” The Portuguese star further added that several things happened at the club involving him that remain oblivious to the fans. Lastly, Felix also stated that he continues to have a good relationship with his former Atletico Madrid teammates.
Atletico Madrid president is yet to decide on Joao Felix
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo is yet to decide Joao Felix’s future. Felix joined the Catalan club earlier last year after his relationship with Atletico coach Diego Simeone deteriorated. Speaking ahead of the match, Cerezo stated that he would make a decision about Felix after the end of the season. Moreover, FC Barcelona sporting director Deco has stated that he wants Felix to continue at the club.
Enrique Cerezo (Atletico Madrid president): “Regarding Joao Felix, when the season ends, we will decide.” pic.twitter.com/29vNMbn53c
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) March 17, 2024
Enrique Cerezo also said before yesterday’s match that he didn’t want Felix to be mistreated by the Atletico fans and asked them to treat the Portuguese with respect. However, Cerezo did say that he hoped that Felix wouldn’t have a good day if he played against them. Unfortunately, Cerezo’s hopes were shattered as Felix scored the opener and put in a decent performance.
Joao Felix’s brother shares a cryptic post after FC Barcelona’s win
Following FC Barcelona’s historic win, Joao Felix’s brother, Hugo Felix, appeared to take a dig at Atletico Madrid. Joao has been at the receiving end of plenty of hostility from the Atletico supporters. Moreover, before yesterday’s match, the Atletico supporters were even spotted burning Felix’s Atletico jersey and also vandalizing his plaque at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium.
— Hugo Félix (@HFelix18) March 17, 2024
Nevertheless, Hugo Felix retaliated at the Atletico supporters after FC Barcelona’s 3-0 victory. He shared a few pictures of Felix from last night’s game and a picture where Felix was kissing the FC Barcelona emblem on his shirt and added a laughing emoji. While it isn’t clear that Hugo’s tweet was aimed as a dig at Atletico Madrid, any chances of Joao Felix returning to his parent club at the end of the season seem complicated.