Strong Atleti labours to pre-season stalemate
A strong Atletico Madrid side laboured to a 0-0 draw in a dour pre-season friendly against Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez.
A strong Atletico Madrid side laboured to a 0-0 draw in a dour pre-season friendly against Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez.
In Atletico's penultimate warm-up match, Diego Simeone named a starting XI featuring the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Fernando Torres and Koke.
Atletico's LaLiga preparations had been boosted by its triumph at the Audi Cup, beating Liverpool on penalties in the final. It also overcame Premier League newcomer Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend.
But it endured a frustrating evening against fellow LaLiga outfit Getafe, promoted last season.
Yannick Carrasco had the first attempt from long range, with the Belgium international also coming close from a free-kick.
It was the visitor which continued to force the issue and Griezmann sent a measured lob narrowly wide of Vicente Guaita's goal just before the break.
The second half was even more of a non-event, with bookings for Carrasco and Getafe's Alvaro Jimenez the main talking points.
Torres' late off-target effort almost put a different spin on things, but the host was worthy of what it will regard as a confidence-boosting draw.
Atletico plays again on Sunday (AEST) against Leganes before opening its league campaign against Girona the following weekend.