FC Barcelona's Joao Felix scored in the first half to secure a hard-fought 1-0 home win against his valiant parent club Atletico Madrid in a compelling La Liga clash on Sunday.

The Portuguese, on loan at Barca after a bitter split with Diego Simeone's side, netted with a fine dinked finish over goalkeeper Jan Oblak in the 28th minute and did not hold back in his goal-scoring celebrations with the jubilant home crowd.

"It was spontaneous. I was in the heat of the game and it was like a relief for everything I've been through this summer," Felix told Movistar Plus.

"Only the people closest to me, my family mainly, know what I've been through. So the goal was dedicated to them.

"I couldn't believe (when the fans chanted his name). I know how great this club is and to have your name chanted is not something that happens to many. I'm delighted."

Barca moved above Atletico into third place on 34 points, four behind leaders Real Madrid and Girona. Atletico are fourth on 31 points.

Under pressure from the fans dissatisfied with Barcelona's form lately, Xavi Hernandez's team put on a show in the first half, dominating the match and creating several chances.

Barca started by pressing high and wasted a golden opportunity to open the scoring in the second minute when Raphinha was one-on-one against Oblak but fluffed his lines, striking wide of the far post from close range.

Robert Lewandowski had a chance blocked by the visiting defence two minutes later.

The hosts scored in the 28th minute when Pedri stole the ball and flashed a long pass to Jules Kounde bursting up the right and he crossed to Raphinha who saw Felix darting up the left channel against a disorganised defence.

The Brazilian played in Felix, who won a challenge against Jose Maria Gimenez to stay in front of Oblak and chipped the ball over the stranded keeper into the empty net.