Atletico Madrid blanks MLS All-Stars

Portuguese teen sensation Joao Felix came off the bench to score a superb goal Wednesday as Atletico Madrid blanked the Major League Soccer All-Stars 3-0 at rain-soaked Exploria Stadium. Marcos Llorente, signed from city rivals Real this summer for $42 million, had put the Spanish side ahead in the first half before 19 year-old, $134 million striker Felix scored a brilliant second to decide a match that failed to spark into action, a swathe of changes on both teams contributing to a decidedly low-tempo affair.

Diego Costa's late third was no more than the visitors deserved. Los Angeles Galaxy star Zlatan Ibrahimovic was withdrawn after just 30 minutes and despite Wayne Rooney's best efforts in the first half, it was the La Liga side that was far superior. "I haven't seen too much of Joao Felix but... he looks like he has good technique," Rooney told AFP. "I'm sure he will be a good player for Atletico in the near future."

The Spanish side spent plenty of money betting Rooney is right. "Of course it's a big price to pay for such a young player but that's the way the market is going now," Rooney told AFP. "Everyone is spending a lot of money. "I remember a few years ago, Zinedine Zidane went for over $60 million and everyone was saying 'What's going on?' But that's the price you have to pay now."

Madrid manager Diego Simeone refused to single out any of his new players, including Felix. "I've been pleased with all the new signings and the path we are going on during this pre-season," Simeone said.

Inclement weather in the Orlando area delayed kickoff before a sellout crowd for 40 minutes but the rain failed to dampen an excellent atmosphere for the North American league's annual exhibition match.

The MLS All-Stars, captained by leading scorer Carlos Vela of LAFC, boasted the likes of DC United's Rooney, Ibrahimovic and home favorite Nani in their starting line-up.

Atletico Madrid blanks MLS All-Stars

Portuguese teen sensation Joao Felix came off the bench to score a superb goal Wednesday as Atletico Madrid blanked the Major League Soccer All-Stars 3-0 at rain-soaked Exploria Stadium. Marcos Llorente, signed from city rivals Real this summer for $42 million, had put the Spanish side ahead in the first half before 19 year-old, $134 million striker Felix scored a brilliant second to decide a match that failed to spark into action, a swathe of changes on both teams contributing to a decidedly low-tempo affair. Diego Costas late third was no more than the visitors deserved. Los Angeles Galaxy star Zlatan Ibrahimovic was withdrawn after just 30 minutes and despite Wayne Rooneys best efforts in the first half, it was the La Liga side that was far superior. I havent seen too much of Joao Felix but... he looks like he has good technique, Rooney told AFP. Im sure he will be a good player for Atletico in the near future. The Spanish side spent plenty of money betting Rooney is right. Of course its a big price to pay for such a young player but thats the way the market is going now, Rooney told AFP. Everyone is spending a lot of money. I remember a few years ago, Zinedine Zidane went for over $60 million and everyone was saying Whats going on? But thats the price you have to pay now. Madrid manager Diego Simeone refused to single out any of his new players, including Felix. Ive been pleased with all the new signings and the path we are going on during this pre-season, Simeone said. Inclement weather in the Orlando area delayed kickoff before a sellout crowd for 40 minutes but the rain failed to dampen an excellent atmosphere for the North American leagues annual exhibition match. The MLS All-Stars, captained by leading scorer Carlos Vela of LAFC, boasted the likes of DC Uniteds Rooney, Ibrahimovic and home favorite Nani in their starting line-up.