Joao Felix gets revenge and helps Barcelona cruise past Atletico Madrid

Joao Felix, Robert Lewandowski and Fermin Lopez's strikes earned the Catalonians the victory in the capital

Robert Lewandowski and Joao Felix were the stars as Barcelona secured a3-0 win over Atletico Madrid in a flattering scoreline that also saw their coach, Xavi, sent off.

The result means Barcelona climb up to second in LaLiga, ahead of Girona and they now trail Real Madrid by eight points with 30 to play for. Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, drop out of the UEFA Champions League places after Athletic Club won on Saturday.

In the sixth minute, Atletico Madrid thought they won a penalty through Alvaro Morata, but Jules Kounde was reprieved as the forward was called offside meaning any foul after didn't matter.

Diego Simeone's side then survived a penalty claim in front of the Estadio Civitas Metropolitano crowd in the 15th minute when Kounde thought he was fouled, before rushing back to deny Nahuel Molina.

But Barcelona grew into the game, and they had their first big chance in the 38th minute, punishing the home side to full effect.

Atletico Madrid repelled their first attack, butIlkay Gundogan picked up the ball and found Lewandowski, who then squared a cross for a deft finish past Jan Oblak by Felix — playing against his parent club — to give Xavi's men the lead of the tie.

Then they doubled their lead in the 47th minute when Raphinha took advantage of a poor Rodrigo De Paul pass, playing Lewandowski through, and the legendary forward slammed the ball across goal into the far corner to make it 2-0.

Finally, Barcelona killed the tie off as Lewandowski turned provider. This time the Pole floated a cross over the box and Fermin powered a header past Oblak in the 65th minute to make it 3-0. Game over.

Molina was then sent off in