That Atleti-Osasuna: The day Joao Félix thrilled the Metropolitano
It was June 2020, and Atleti, after the Covid break, were playing for a return to the Champions League spots. The opponent, Osasuna at El Sadar. That day, Joao Félix, the most expensive signing in the history of the Rojiblancos, delivered a memorable performance.
Atleti thrashed Osasuna 0-5, and the Portuguese dazzled, showing the talent that was expected of him. An exhibition that raised expectations sky-high, making the Colchoneros fans dream of finally having the star they so craved.
Unfortunately, what followed did not meet expectations. After that match, his performance declined, with some obvious moments of frustration and loans to teams like Chelsea and Barcelona, before being transferred. In short, five years later, the shine of that day has faded.
Three teams, apart from Atleti, tried to channel Joao’s potential without success. Nor has he managed to consolidate himself as the star he was expected to be in Portugal. That match in El Sadar remains a memory of what could have been and wasn’t, a mirage of the great star we may no longer see.
