Felix strikes as Atletico end winless streak

Spanish viewing figures soar after La Liga restarts

Sports Editor

Joao Felix scored twice in his first match back from injury as Atletico Madrid routed Osasuna 5-0 to end their winless streak and regain fourth place in La Liga.

Felix scored a goal in each half to lead Atletico to their first win after three consecutive league draws. The Portugal forward had been nursing a sprained left knee and had not played since the league resumed amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Marcos Llorente, Alvaro Morata and Yannick Carrasco also scored for Atletico, who had dropped outside the Champions League places following their slump.

“We needed this victory to boost the team’s morale,” Felix said. “And it was important for me as well, to give me more confidence. After three months without playing and after the injury, it was good to return with a pair of goals.”

Diego Simeone’s team eliminated defending champions Liverpool in the round of 16 of the Champions League just before the pandemic break, but they had won only two of their last nine league games. They hadn’t won any of their last five away matches in the league.

Champions League spot

The victory kept Atletico 15 points behind leaders Barcelona — who defeated Leganes 2-0 on Tuesday — but moved the team two points behind thirdplace Sevilla, who drew 1-1 at Levante on Monday. “That’s our goal right now, to keep fighting for the Champions League places so we can be in the tournament again next season,” Felix said.

Meanwhile, Spanish football’s international viewing figures have increased by more than 48 per cent since the season returned after being halted for three months due to the Covid-19 pandemic, La Liga have announced.