Barcelona secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in a tense La Liga encounter, all thanks to loanee Joao Felix. Felix’s goal was the ultimate decider that now puts Barcelona within four points of league leaders Real Madrid. Recall that Felix is on loan from Atletico. He left the club in September, amidst controversies surrounding his stay and playtime. Meanwhile, his excellent chip secured the only goal of the match. 
Joao Felix scored the only goal in the match – Getty image In the second half, Atletico attempted to mount a comeback, but Barcelona’s defense deterred them. Barcelona’s Raphinha hit the post, and substitute Memphis Depay faced a huge save from a free-kick. Atletico’s Angel Correa also tested Barcelona’s goalkeeper, Inaki Pena, who made a crucial stop. The win by Xavi Hernandez side put them in a promising position in the La Liga title race.
Netherlands striker Memphis Depay will join Atletico Madrid from Spanish league rival Barcelona after the Catalan club confirmed on Friday, January 20, that it has reached a deal to sell the player. 
Barcelona said Atletico had agreed to pay 3 million euros ($3.25 million) with a possible 1 million euros ($1.08 million) more in add-ons. Depay agreed to a contract that will keep him in the capital for the next two-and-a-half years, Atlético said. A statement shared on Barcelona’s website read; “FC Barcelona and Club Atlético de Madrid have reached an agreement for the transfer of the player Memphis Depay for the fee of 3 million euros plus one million in variables. 
“The agreement includes a preferential but not compulsory purchase option for the player Yannick Carrasco. FC Barcelona would like to publicly thank Memphis for his commitment and dedication and wishes him all the best for the future.” Far behind Spanish leader Barcelona, Atlético is fighting to secure a top-four finish and a resulting Champions League berth.