Atletico Madrid’s slim La Liga title hopes took a serious hit Saturday as they stumbled to a scoreless draw towards relegation-threatened Alaves at Mendizorrotza Stadium.
Despite dominating possession, Diego Simeone’s aspect did not discover a breakthrough, missing the creativity and urgency to unlock a disciplined Alaves protection.
The 2021 champions stay third with 67 factors, 9 behind chief Barcelona, which visits Real Valladolid later Saturday.
The first half was a cagey affair and not using a single shot on course. The most notable second got here when Atletico ahead Julian Alvarez was initially despatched off for a excessive boot on Facundo Garces.
However, replays confirmed the problem was much less extreme than first thought, and the purple card was downgraded to a yellow after a VAR overview.
Antoine Griezmann made his first league begin in three matches, however the Frenchman couldn’t spark Atletico’s assault, which didn’t register a shot within the opening 45 minutes.
Alaves practically broke the impasse early within the second half, however Jon Guridi headed extensive after being left unmarked within the Atletico field.
Simeone launched attackers Alexander Sorloth and Samuel Lino, and the substitutions injected life into Atletico’s efficiency. Lino recorded the group’s first shot on course within the 71st minute.
Alaves responded with a close-range effort from Kike Garcia that was properly saved by goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
Alaves keeper Antonio Sivera was busy within the remaining minutes as Atletico pressed for a winner, however the hosts held agency.
The draw lifted Alaves to sixteenth place, three factors above the relegation zone.
“It’s a good point against a great opponent,” Garces stated. “I’m very happy with the work we’ve done. This helps us gain confidence and add to our tally. We’re all on the same page. We have to keep pushing and make the stadium a fortress for the last two games here.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com