Madrid, December 4 (PL)-- The assault on Barcelona is still pending for Diego Simeone, again beaten by Xavi Hernandez, while Real Madrid retains the lead in Spain's LaLiga soccer league today.

After the usual exchange of darts in the prelude to the expected duel between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, the pulse of the Catalans could more, this time with the morbid goal scored by Portuguese Joao Felix.

The Portuguese player, who has not adapted to the Colchoneros' ranks and is on a season-long loan with the Azulgranas, has a terrible relationship with Cholo Simeone. In any case, his talent is beyond doubt and his goal, with a lob after 28 minutes, confirmed it.

It was an intense match, dominated in the first half by Xavi Hernandez's side, with their players tightening their marking and ready to launch swift and dangerous counterattacks. By pure miracle, there were no more Barcelona goals.

In the second half, Atleti were obliged to change the dynamic, with fewer turnovers and more attacking commitment. But they lacked the necessary depth and accuracy to equalize the score.

It was an opportunity for Simeone to catch up with Real Madrid (38 points). On the contrary, they moved away, while Barcelona (34) kept their third place behind Los Merengues and the surprising Girona (38, but second on goal difference).

Earlier, the "casa blanca" (white house) solved their game against bottom-placed Granada 2-0, with goals from the rising Brahim Díaz and the inspired Brazilian Rodrygo Goes.

With a full infirmary (Courtois, Militao, Vinicius, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Modric and Kepa), Real Madrid had an effective previous week, in which they also won their Champions League match against Napoli 3-1 with goals from Rodrygo, Bellingham, debutant Nico Paz and Joselu.)

For the following matchday, two games will be the main focus of attention, Real Madrid against the always rocky Betis on Saturday in Seville, and Barcelona, at home, against Girona on Sunday.