João Félix scored against Betis and Simeone celebrated it in a big way. The rojiblanco coach knows how important that goal can be for the future of the Portuguese striker and he jumped for joy in the box where he watched the game against the Andalusian team. João Félix had been one of the best of the rojiblanco team in recent games. The striker had already been performing at a high level for several matches. Against Barcelona he was the most outstanding footballer and against Real Sociedad he had a good game. Against Levante he also tried. In the match against Betis he came out in the second half, since Simeone gave Correa the opportunity to start. And João Félix was once again decisive, this time by scoring a goal, making it 3-0 of the match.
It is his first goal of the season. Last season he scored ten goals (seven in LaLiga and three in the Champions League). And he gave six assists, all of them in the league championship. He had an exceptional start to the season, but it went from more to less. His ankle problems weighed down on him in the second part of the exercise, which led to him having to undergo surgery after the conclusion of the European Championship.
Simeone commented in this campaign that he needs João Félix to have great regularity and don’t be a sparkle player. After the good games he has had, he was missing the goal. And he scored it against Betis. He made the goal he was looking for, since in addition to playing, his team needs him to score goals. He had not scored since February 28 against Villarreal.
For next Wednesday’s match against Liverpool he is a vital player. Marcos Llorente is injured and Griezmann is suspended. Facing the Champions League match, the Portuguese will be vital in the axis of the attack. In the Champions League he was one of the best in the games that in previous years meant the red-and-white elimination: against Leipzig and against Chelsea. Liverpool can be the definitive accolade for the Portuguese.