Atletico Madrid frustrated as Espanyol hold out for point

Atletico Madrid missed the chance to close the gap on Real Madrid at the top of La Liga as Quique Sanchez Flores’ Espanyol held out for a point at the Vicente Calderon.

With Barcelona and Real Madrid drawing 1-1 in the Clasico earlier in the day the chance was there for Diego Simeone’s to drag themselves back into title contention. However, they were frustrated by a well organised and stubborn Espanyol side who were good value for a goalless draw.

Simeone will surely be disappointed with how little his side created in the way of goalscoring opportunities, particularly in the first half. In fact, it was Espanyol who had the two best chances of the match, with Gerard Moreno denied by Jan Oblak twice as he broke through on goal.

Atletico Madrid built momentum towards the end of the second half, but it was too little too late for the home side as Espanyol held on for a well-earned point, meaning they have now kept seven clean sheets in their last eight games.

Nine points now separate Simeone’s side from the top of the Liga table. Given that Real Madrid have still to lose a match this season, that would appear to be an almighty gap for Atletico Madrid to bridge. They have won all five of their Champions League games this season, though, and so they might now fully turn their attentions to Europe.

The Espanyol goalkeeper was in sparkling form at the Vicente Calderon, making one save in particular from Antoine Griezmann that saved a point for his side. It wasn’t just in the saves Lopez made that he helped Espanyol to a point, but in his commanding presence in coming off the line for cross, of which there were more than a few in the final 15 minutes or so.

Atletico Madrid - Oblak 7, Juanfran 6, Godin 5, Gimenez 5, Luis 6, Gabi 5, Tiago 6, Koke 6, Carrasco 5, Griezmann 5, Gameiro 5. Subs - Gaitan 5, Correa 5, Saul 5.

Espanyol - Lopez 8, Sanchez 7, Lopes 7, Reyes 8, Martin 7, Diop 6, Fuego 6, Jurado 5, Piatti 7, Gerard 7, Leo 6. Subs - Sevilla 5, Perez 5, Caicedo 5.

6’ PENALTY CLAIMS! Griezmann takes the shot from just inside the Espanyol penalty area, with the ball striking Fuego. Atletico appeal for a spot kick, but the referee shakes his head.

23’ GABI SHOT ON GOAL! The Atletico Madrid midfielder lined up the effort from the best part of 20 yards, but it was straight at Lopez and the Espanyol keeper can make the stop.

24’ NOW GERARD HAS A SHOT! Espanyol come flying forward on the counter attack, with Gerard taking aim with a snot shot from the edge of the box. Oblak wasn't troubled, though.

44’ WHAT A CHANCE! That was the best opportunity of the match. Espanyol came flying forward on the counter, with Gerard played clean through. But Oblak comes off his line to smother the shot.

48’ FREE HEADER! Espanyol's corner kick is met by Leo, who had lost his marker. He didn't get much of a connection on it, though and Godin is required to clear under pressure.

64’ OBLAK, MASSIVE SAVE! Espanyol break forward on the counter attack once again, with Gerard clean through on goal. But Oblak closes down the angle to save with his legs.

69’ SO CLOSE TO AN OPENER! First Gabi's shot from the edge of the box is saved by Lopez, then Gameiro strikes a rebound effort right across the face of goal. That was inches away.

74’ CLOSE CALL! I think Griezmann was merely trying to find a teammate with a cross from the byline, but he nearly squeezed it in at the near post. Lopez scrambled to make the save.

85’ CORREA SHOULD HAVE DONE BETTER! The Argentine worked himself into an excellent position inside the area, but he didn't shoot, he didn't pass, he did nothing. What was he doing?

Before this game Atletico Madrid had won their last five games at home against Espanyol in La Liga.

Atletico Madrid haven’t conceded against Espanyol in any of their last five matches.