They also vandalised a plaque bearing his name and insulted the player outside the Metropolitano Stadium.

But when the match started, it didn't take long for the Portugal forward to answer them on the field.

Felix struck against his former club again on Sunday, scoring the opening goal in Barcelona's 3-0 win over Atletico.

Robert Lewandowski and Fermin Lopez also found the net for Barca, who leapfrogged neighbours Girona into second place in La Liga thanks to a fifth straight league victory over Atletico.

Felix had scored the winner in Barcelona's 1-0 win in the league in December. The Portugal international is on loan from Atletico after falling out with the club last season.

The forward arrived in Madrid for 120 million euros ($199 million) in 2019 but never fully met the high expectations that came with his signing.

Felix opened the scoring in the 38th minute of Sunday's clash, becoming the first Barcelona player to score in both matches against Atletico in a single league season since Lionel Messi in 2019/20.

"Certainly it was our most complete match," Barcelona coach Xavi Hernendez said.

Atletico defender Nahuel Molina was sent off in stoppage time for a foul on Vitor Roque, while Xavi was dismissed before halftime for protesting.

It was Atletico's first league defeat at the Metropolitano Stadium since January 2023 - also 1-0, also against Barcelona.

"They were better than us today," Atletico coach Diego Simeone said.

Unbeaten in eight league matches, Barcelona moved two points ahead of third-placed Girona - who lost 1-0 at Getafe on Saturday - and eight behind leaders Real Madrid.

Almeria's winless streak in the Spanish league is finally over.

The last-placed team beat Las Palmas 1-0 to pick up their first win after going 28 consecutive games without a victory in the league this season - the most ever by any team.

Leo Baptistao scored in the 14th minute to give Almeria the win and make it a successful debut for coach Pepe Mel.

"We snapped a historic streak," said Mel, who was hired this week to replace former coach Gaizka Garitano.

"This is the path we must stay on for these last nine finals."

Almeria are 14 points from safety with nine matches remaining.

"It's a relief," goalscorer Baptistao said.

"We deserved to have won by now. We have to keep believing."

Rayo Vallecano ended a 10-match winless streak in all competitions with a 2-0 win over seventh-place Real Betis, while Celta Vigo rallied late to win 2-1 at Sevilla.

Villareal beat Valencia 1-0 for their fourth straight league win thanks to a goal from Jorge Cuenca.

Australian Associated Press