European Leagues

Joao Felix scores on return to Atletico as Barcelona romp to 3-0 victory

Joao Felix scored on his return to the Wandra Metropolitano as Robert Lewandowski inspired Barcelona to a 3-0 triumph at Atletico Madrid on Sunday to keep their faint La Liga title hopes alive.

Lewandowski set up goals for Joao Felix and Fermin Lopez either side of striking himself to pull Barcelona second, eight points behind leaders Real Madrid.

The resurgent Catalans, who reached the Champions League quarter-finals this week, became the first team to beat Atletico at the Metropolitano stadium this season.

Barcelona were the last team to win at Atletico in the top flight too, with Diego Simeone’s team going 25 matches without defeat in between.

They crumbled against Xavi Hernandez’s side, who now have five consecutive wins over Atletico and are unbeaten in 10 matches since the coach said he would leave at the end of the season.

Barcelona moved two points clear of third-placed Girona, while Atletico are now fifth, after Athletic Bilbao moved above them on Saturday.

Spanish champions Barcelona lined up with Hector Fort at left-back as Joao Cancelo had a knock, while Andreas Christensen felt discomfort in the warm-up and was replaced by Lopez.

It meant Ilkay Gundogan dropped to the holding midfield role and Barcelona had to face Atletico without the balance the Dane has brought there in recent weeks, adding to the absences of Frenkie de Jong, Pedri and Gavi.

Atletico played 120 minutes on Wednesday against Inter Milan on their way to the Champions League quarter-finals and although Barcelona saw off Napoli a day before, it was Simeone’s side who started sharper.

Pablo Barrios spurned a good early chance for the Rojiblancos, firing wide when well placed.

Barcelona’s 17-year-old defender Pau Cubarsi, recently called into the Spain squad for the first time, did well to block an Alvaro Morata effort.

However it was Barcelona who took the lead after 38 minutes, against the run of play, when they put a slick move together for the first time in the match.

Gundogan glided forward from midfield and found Lewandowski, who squared for on-loan forward Felix to turn home against his parent club.

The Portuguese striker scored the only goal when the teams met in December and again proved a thorn in Atletico’s side while being whistled by home fans throughout

Related Topics:Barcelona Joao Felix La liga

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Raphael Onyedika reflects on first UCL Goal

Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika expressed his excitement after scoring his first-ever UEFA Champions League goal against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.

Despite Brugge’s 3-1 loss, Onyedika couldn’t hide his pride in the achievement. “I don’t know how to put it, but it’s an amazing feeling to score my first goal in City’s stadium. I’m so proud,” the Nigeria international told Flashcore.com.

Onyedika acknowledged that while Brugge took the lead, they struggled after conceding. “We knew it would be difficult after we got the first goal; we were a bit sloppy. And when we conceded the first goal, they had more momentum and energy, so it was much more difficult for us because of our mistakes.”

The goal will surely be a memorable moment for the young midfielder as he continues his Champions League journey.

Premier League

David Raya doubtful for Arsenal’s clash against Manchester City

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that goalkeeper David Raya may miss the Gunners’ crucial Premier League fixture against Manchester City on Sunday.

Raya was absent from Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Girona in the Champions League, with Neto stepping in for his debut after joining on a season-long loan from Bournemouth.

Although Neto conceded the opening goal to Arnaut Danjuma in the 28th minute, Arsenal responded with Jorginho’s penalty and a spectacular goal by rising star Ethan Nwaneri.

Arteta did not provide specific details on Raya’s injury but noted, “He certainly could not play, and he’s injured, and that’s it. We’ll see how it improves.”

When asked whether Neto could continue in Raya’s absence, Arteta expressed confidence in the experienced goalkeeper, stating, “That’s why he’s here, to do that job… I’m very happy that he played and we won again.”

Arsenal will be hoping Raya recovers in time for the vital clash as they look to maintain their strong position in the league.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Tella celebrates first Champions League goal in Bayer Leverkusen win

Bayer Leverkusen winger Nathan Tella has joyfully celebrated his first-ever UEFA Champions League goal after netting in his team’s 2-0 triumph over Sparta Prague on Wednesday night.

The Nigeria international struck in the 64th minute, sealing the victory and helping Leverkusen advance to the Round of 16. The achievement marks a significant milestone for the former Burnley star, who was playing in England’s second-tier league just two years ago.

Taking to social media after the match, Tella shared his excitement with a heartfelt message accompanied by a photo from the game:

“Dreams come true,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso praised Tella’s performance as the team comfortably secured their place in the next stage of Europe’s elite competition. Tella’s rapid rise continues to inspire fans and players alike as he establishes himself on the European football stage.