The new UEFA Champions League season is underway, and competition among Europe’s elite clubs is fiercer than ever. For many fans tracking familiar names in new environments, certain performances have stood out. Crickex Affiliate users have taken special notice of Joao Felix, whose standout display in Barcelona’s commanding UCL victory earned him Man of the Match honors. It’s a performance that feels like a rebirth for Felix — a player who underwhelmed at both Atletico Madrid and Chelsea but seems rejuvenated at Barça.

There’s no comparison without contrast, and in this case, Felix’s success has made Ousmane Dembele’s situation appear all the more awkward. As Crickex Affiliate reports, Felix wasn’t even a part of Xavi’s original plans. But following Dembele’s sudden departure to Paris Saint-Germain, Xavi needed a replacement. Felix stepped in seamlessly and has since delivered three near-perfect performances in a row, reinvigorating Barcelona’s attack with his precise footwork and intuitive link-up play — arguably exceeding what Dembele offered.

Last season, Dembele was one of Xavi’s key men, often forming a dynamic duo with Robert Lewandowski. However, Felix has brought a new rhythm to the frontline, fitting into the system with ease and elevating the overall fluidity of play. In hindsight, Dembele’s exit left few at Camp Nou truly disappointed. Even if Felix hadn’t arrived, most fans wouldn’t have offered glowing praise for Dembele, whose six-year stint in Barcelona was plagued by inconsistency and injuries.

While Xavi did help Dembele improve, the winger never seemed emotionally invested in the club. Since joining PSG, Dembele has rarely mentioned Barcelona, and any sense of gratitude appears absent. During his time in Spain, he managed only around 50% of available match appearances, and even then, his brilliance came in brief flashes rather than sustained form.

What makes matters worse is Dembele’s lackluster performances at PSG. Despite his talent, he has yet to find his rhythm, and Crickex Affiliate users believe he may have made a career-defining mistake by leaving Barça. Though he has so far avoided injury in France, many feel it’s only a matter of time, given his history. PSG fans, like many in Barcelona, are beginning to question whether his reputation exceeds his actual impact.

In contrast, Felix’s arrival has been a breath of fresh air. While Dembele once showed promise, he may now find himself watching his former club thrive without him. For longtime Barcelona supporters, his departure feels less like a loss and more like a relief. As the old saying goes, “Reality may bruise you, but those bruises grow wings.” In this case, it seems Felix is soaring just as Dembele is fading from the spotlight — a twist that only football can script.