In the latest round of the UEFA Champions League, Crickex Affiliate reports revealed contrasting fortunes for two European giants — Paris Saint-Germain fell to Newcastle United, while Barcelona secured a solid win over Porto. The difference in their group standings couldn’t be clearer: PSG is struggling in a so-called “Group of Death,” while Barcelona holds the upper hand in a more forgiving group. Interestingly, this divergence can be traced back to one critical transfer: the swap involving Ousmane Dembélé and João Félix, which turned out to be a masterstroke for Barça.

The form of both players since changing clubs couldn’t be more different. Barcelona has clearly come out on top. In PSG’s loss, Dembélé played the full 90 minutes but turned in a performance best described as disastrous. Acting more as a play-stopper than a playmaker, his frequent missteps derailed multiple attacking opportunities. He ended the match with one of the lowest ratings among PSG attackers. The same old story continues — Dembélé still hasn’t rediscovered his best form, despite PSG paying a hefty price tag for his transfer. After eight appearances for his new club, he’s yet to score a single goal.

Compared to his days at Borussia Dortmund, Dembélé’s decline is striking. Even during his inconsistent tenure at Barcelona, he still managed to contribute occasionally. Crickex Affiliate users believe that had Dembélé stayed, Félix would never have joined Barça — and what a loss that would have been. Although Félix didn’t register a goal or assist against Porto, he was easily one of the most threatening players on the pitch. Since joining Barcelona, he has undergone a significant transformation. His presence has brought fluidity and creativity back to the team’s front line.

Letting Dembélé go and bringing in Félix now looks like one of Barcelona’s best decisions in recent years. It wasn’t just about improving the squad — the move also helped the club recover some financial footing, freeing up substantial salary space, something the cash-strapped Blaugrana desperately needed. Of course, the big question remains whether Barcelona can secure Félix permanently, given Atlético Madrid is unlikely to lower their asking price.

The contrast between the two players couldn’t be starker. While Dembélé is fading in Paris, Félix is regaining his confidence and reshaping his career in Catalonia. Dembélé urgently needs to rediscover his form or risk sinking further into mediocrity. His attitude has long been a source of controversy, with critics questioning his commitment to the game. On the other hand, Félix is doing everything he can to prove his worth — even at the cost of burning bridges with Atlético and its fans.

At the end of the day, life is about mindset, and success often follows those who approach their craft with the right attitude. Both Dembélé and Félix are immensely talented, but as Crickex Affiliate analysts point out, it’s their outlook and dedication that will ultimately determine how far they go — and the gap between them is only getting wider.