Barcelona ratings v Atletico Madrid: Joao Felix 8, Lewandowski 6

The stand-in goalkeeper didn’t have to deal with a single shot in the first half. That changed in the second period as Atletico pushed unsuccessfully for an equaliser and had four strikes on target. TShow more

Top performance in Barcelona’s temporary home where Xavi’s side have won every game bar the clasico this season and moved above Atletico into third. EPA

Barcelona’s young captain cleared the ball away from his goal early on. He’s hugely popular with fans – though the attendance of 34,568 was a low one for the game which started late on a Sunday eveninShow more

A last minute inclusion over Martinez and played a solid part in a hard fought match to see Barcelona’s fourth straight success over Atletico. AFP

Swung crosses towards Atleti’s deep lying defence. Integral to the move for the first goal, the first time in five games Barça have gone ahead. AFP

Vital to his team as he tried to pick passes through a side that defended deeply. Excellent block on a Greizmann shot – Atelti’s best effort of the first half. The last of five Barcelona players to beShow more

Important that he’s back to full fitness - especially with Gavi likely to be out for nine months. EPA

Cast aside by Atletico, his beautiful chip over Oblak for the only goal was a worthy match winner. Got a winner against Porto in the Champions League midweek, too. Aggressively targeted by his former Show more

Probing balls forward, neat interplays. His 113 touches were more than any player on the field. He’s settled well at his new home. EPA

A danger on the right of the front three. High, accurate curling cross to Lewandowski after six minutes. Charged across goal to set up Felix’s goal. Floored by a yellow card challenge from Koke. Getty

Scored in only one of his past nine games. First to shoot in a bright start for Barcelona, then headed wide when a glancing header would’ve been better on six mins. Then he shinned an effort wide afteShow more

(Felix, 77’) - More minutes of experience for the Barca youngster. AFP

(Raphinha, 77) Booked – along with five other teammates in a match which also saw four Atletico players receive yellow cards. AFP

On for Pedri on 89 minutes. AFP

Joao Felix's superb dinked finish earned Barcelona a vital 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid on Sunday in the La Liga title race.

The Portuguese forward, on loan at Barca from Atletico, made no secret of his pleasure to escape the Spanish capital this summer and made his parent club pay at the Olympic Stadium.

Joao Felix was criticised by some Atletico players ahead of the game and Barca coach Xavi called on him to use those words as inspiration, which he duly did.

The forward's goal allowed Barca to reclaim third place from Atletico, now trailing leaders Real Madrid and second place Girona by four points.

"He made the difference for the team again, he gave everything, working hard, stealing the ball back, I am very happy for him," Xavi told reporters.

"I told him to be calm, this extra motivation sometimes speeds you up and you cross the line."

Xavi hailed his players' performance as a whole.

"The team had personality, we played very well today – maybe it's our best game of the season, a complete one, I would say.

"It's a very positive sign of what we can and should do in every game – this is what Barca should be."

Joao Felix celebrated his goal with arms aloft, standing on the advertising hoardings in front of the angry visiting supporters, while Rojiblancos coach Diego Simeone appeared disgruntled as he flashed up on the big screens.

The 24-year-old forward, a club record signing at €126 million ($137 million) in 2019, never settled in the capital and did not click with Simeone's management and playing style.

"It was spontaneous ... in the heat of the game and it was like a relief, for everything I lived through this summer," Joao Felix told Movistar about his celebration.

"Every week I'm talked about, whether for good or bad, I do my job, without looking at what they say or think."