Watch Joao Felix score goal of the season contender only for stunning strike to be disallowed for foul in build-up

JOAO FELIX scored a goal of the season contender before it was ruled out for a foul in the build-up during Atletico Madrid’s 3-1 win over Real Betis.

The Atletico ace, 22, wowed fans on Sunday night when he launched a long-range rocket that flew effortlessly into the back of the net.

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Felix’s scored a long-range stunner during Atletico’s 3-1 win over Betis[/caption]

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But his goal of the season contender was ruled out as team-mate Griezmann fouled an opposition player in the build-up[/caption]

But Felix, who had already snagged a brace, was denied the chance to clinch an outrageous hat-trick because team-mate Antoine Griezmann hacked down a Betis player in the build-up.

The ball rolled to Felix’s feet as a direct result of Griezmann’s rash challenge and the playmaker lashed at it first time.

It was as if time stopped as the ball drifted in mid-air before dipping past Betis’ keeper Claudio Bravo who could only watch in awe.

It didn’t help that ex-Man City stopper Bravo was caught partially off his line when Felix let rip.

But luckily for Bravo and Betis, the referee ruled Felix’s beauty out due to Griezmann’s grievous tackle.

Felix was visibly fuming while Griezmann could only smile as he was fully aware of his unwanted input during the goal.

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Atletico were compensated in the 80th minute when Arsenal transfer target Thomas Lemar grabbed a third and put the game to bed.

But after reviewing Griezmann’s challenge and Felix’s subsequent ruled out goal, Atletico boss Diego Simeone was adamant there was no foul and the goal should’ve been allowed.

He told AS when summing up Felix’s performance: “Impressive, he was able to score the third and Griezmann was called for a foul, which for me was not, but he scored a great goal.”

Felix has been in red-hot form as of late and has scored four goals in as many games across all competitions.

One of those strikes was scored against Manchester United in Atletico’s 1-1 draw with the Red Devils in the Champions League last-16 first leg.

After United crumbled and lost 4-1 to Manchester City yesterday, it’s fair to assume Felix is relishing the chance to have another pop at Ralf Rangnick’s defence when the two sides meet for the second leg at Old Trafford next week.

Felix’s incessant attacking threat has made him a target of several European titans including Arsenal who are reportedly keen on the £120million-rated star.

But the youngster fuelled rumours that he could be eyeing a move to Liverpool after he was spotted in the Reds’ fan section at Wembley watching their Carabao Cup triumph over Chelsea.