🇪🇸 Atlético de Madrid frustrated in stalemate with Espanyol | OneFootball

Atlético de Madrid missed a chance to move up to second in LaLiga as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Espanyol.

Diego Simeone’s side enjoyed a breakneck start with Julián Alvarez laying siege to Joan García’s goal as early as the opening minutes.

Moments later, Samuel Lino crashed an effort against the post before Alexander Sørloth spurned two chance later in the first half with a header and scuffed shot.

Their visitors responded when Alex Kral helped on Álvaro Tejero’s cross to Javi Puado at the far post but he sliced the ball over Jan Oblak’s crossbar from close range.

Rodrigo Riquelme appeared to have delivered a breakthrough for the hosts after the interval by prodding home but his strike was chalked off by VAR for offside.

The Colchoneros continued to knock on the door as Pablo Barrios flashes a shot off target while Antoine Griezmann slipped an effort wide of García’s lefthand post.

Riquelme enjoyed another gilt-edged chance in the closing stages after being played in by Griezmann but could not steer his effort on target.

Deep in added time, the winger was denied again in hitting the net with a well-taken effort that was immediately disallowed for offside.

Atleti sit in fourth after their second stalemate of the season while Espanyol are still mired in the relegation places after three games.