‘Ten out of ten’ – Xavi hails Joao Felix and Inaki Pena after Barcelona beat Atletico

Xavi was a happy man after seeing Joao Felix score the only goal of the game as Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid on Sunday in La Liga.

The Barcelona boss singled out Felix and goalkeeper Inaki Pena for praise after seeing his players secure a crucial three points.

Here’s what the Barcelona boss made of it after the final whistle.

“The players stepped up their game. I’d highlight the deeper pressure, the good circulation of the ball, a midfield where Gündoğan, Pedri and Frenkie understand each other to perfection, the tight defensive line, Raphinha and Lewandowski working so hard for the attack,” he said.

“We could have put the game to bed much earlier, but I’m still very happy and satisfied. We are Barça, so what need to do is play like that all the time.

“João Félix worked very hard, he won back a lot of balls and was very well positioned. He looks happy and I’m very pleased with him … And Inaki Pena is such an example. He trains hard and that’s why he performs the way he does. He gets ten out of ten for some extraordinary saves.”

Barcelona have some rare time off this week before returning to action against high-flying Girona in another key La Liga match-up.