After the controversy, the goal. Joao Félix emerged victorious once again in his second encounter with Atlético. The Portuguese, jeered by the home fans throughout the match, paved the way for Barcelona's victory (0-3) by scoring the opening goal, which he celebrated with moderation.

Joao, who had only started in four of the last 13 games available for Xavi Hernández, was in the starting lineup in Madrid. Overflowing with motivation, the forward arrived in the Spanish capital ready to spoil the night for the club that holds his rights and with whom he has a contract until 2029.

The Metropolitano eagerly awaited his arrival. His midweek statements did not help smooth things over with a player who will have to return to the Madrid club's discipline on June 30.

"It will be an important and spicy match, the kind that motivates you more," Joao said to 'Dazn'. "Joao is eager to showcase his talent," warned coach Xavi Hernández. 'Special night,' announced Barcelona's social media before the match, with a photo of the Portuguese.

The Civitas fans sealed their enmity with Joao. They defaced his plaque on the walk of Atletico legends and loudly booed him when his name was announced over the loudspeaker during lineup announcements. Then, throughout the match, he was heckled every time he touched the ball.

Joao had little involvement in his team's play until he scored the opening goal for Barcelona. Gundogan passed the ball to Lewandowski on the right side of their attack, the Pole spotted Joao all alone inside the penalty area and crossed the ball to him, allowing the Portuguese to beat Oblak with a subtle touch. Felix's sixth goal in La Liga with Barcelona. The second against Atlético. The other, at Montjuic in the first round. The Portuguese's celebration after the goal was subdued.

In the second half, Barcelona sealed a clear victory. Lewandowski, in the 47th minute, and Fermín in the 65th minute, put an end to an Atlético side that bowed after the historic comeback in the Champions League against Inter Milan. Barcelona closed the circle of unbeaten runs at the Metropolitano. They had won at the Metropolitano on January 8, 2023, and did so again on March 17, 2024. In between, there were no other losses for Atlético at home in the regular league.

In the 77th minute, Vitor Roque replaced Joao. Once again, monumental jeers from the 68,253 spectators for the Portuguese, who left applauding. After the match, the player spoke up:

"As I said before, the fans in the stands don't know the things that happened here during the time I was here. What they say from the outside is that I have a bad relationship with my former teammates, and that's not true, as you could see just now, I was talking to Samuel. Everyone who passed by hugged me, came to talk to me, and asked me how I was, my family, and everything else, so you can see that I have nothing against them and they have nothing against me," he told ESPN.

"The fans don't know what happened in here, I understand their reactions perfectly, but I shouldn't be seen as the villain in this situation," Joao added.

The Atletico fans still savor the success against Inter, but Atletico is outside the Champions League spots with nine rounds to go in the championship. Barcelona, eight points behind the leader, and Joao, definitively at odds with Atlético.