Felix sees red as Atletico Madrid held by Athletic Bilbao

MADRID (Reuters) – Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix was sent off as the LaLiga champions were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.

Felix, Atletico’s record signing, was shown a yellow card for striking Unai Vencedor in the 78th minute and the Portuguese reacted to the decision by shouting at the referee, who instantly produced a second card and sent him off.

Atletico were fortunate to not lose the game in added time when visiting striker Asier Villalibre met a through ball from Alex Berenguer inside the area but the forward somehow spurned the glorious chance and missed the target.

Diego Simeone’s side are top of the standings with 11 points from five games while Athletic, who are also unbeaten, have nine.

(Reporting by Richard Martin; Editing by Toby Davis)

Photo Atletico Madrid’s striker Joao Felix leaves the field after receiving a red card during the Spanish LaLiga soccer match between Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao held at Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain, 18 September 2021. EPA-EFE/Rodrigo Jimenez