A João Félix of Champions

The cracks are forged on the big nights. And when the Champions League music plays, the best João Félix appears. The Portuguese continued with the ascending line that had shown in Pamplona and he was a constant threat to Manchester United, who could only stop him with fouls after becoming undetectable between the pivot and the English center backs.

If Fernando Santos was very attentive to the Wanda Metropolitano match, with its great stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes representing the reds devils, it was João Félix who dazzled in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. Atlético left with a bittersweet taste after their great match was marred by a goal by Elanga that will force them to win at Old Trafford in order to be in the quarterfinals. However, despite the poor result obtained for the superiority shown, Simeone also has green shoots to work on, with the step forward of the Herrera, Kondogbia, Vrsaljko, Lodi… and João Félix.

Between these last two they generated a great goal for Atlético to go ahead six minutes into the game. Lodi picked up a loose ball from a corner and put in a splendid cross to the penalty spot that João Félix finished off with a header to the height, in plate and that he sneaked into De Gea’s goal after to touch the stick. But, beyond the goal, the Portuguese was what the coach has always asked of him. A daring player, with intelligence, game time management, quality… and a great tactical job on United’s departure.

João Félix and Correa were a constant nuisance for the English defense and Together with Kondogbia and Herrera, they converted the central area of ​​the field into a red-and-white preserve. With the ball and without the ball, playing what Simeone wanted. And when the rojiblanco team began to suffer in the second half a squeeze from United after their changes, João assumed his responsibility to go down to collaborate, receive from behind and give air to his colleagues based on causing fouls. Unstoppable when it comes to facing, his substitution after 76 minutes was a relief for the English defenders shortly before the tie came. Simeone claimed that he needed fresh legs like Griezmann’s, since João was having more difficulties in the return. With Lodi gone, United were starting to hurt down their right flank and more defensive collaboration was needed.

And the ovation from the Wanda Metropolitano was thunderous. TotalJoão Félix has scored seven goals in 19 Champions League games, a much higher average than in LaLiga (16 in 75). The 22-year-old player grows in the highest European competition (he was the best in the elimination against Leipzig, a key double against Salzburg, a goal against Bayern, assists against Liverpool…). And although he always shines more when he can contact the ball the most (he made 19 passes with an 86.4% success rate), João Félix also fell apart in the darkest work. He responded to Simeone’s confidence in a big game and showed that he can be fundamental at Atlético. Quality is plenty.

As a free verse behind Correa, he could appear throughout the attack front, feel comfortable despite receiving from behind, see Lodi’s unchecks and collaborate with the collective work, adding a great and very important goal. Now, the great task for the young jewel and for Cholo is to bring that motivation, commitment and brilliance to regularity from match to match. A special player who must exploit his full potential.