Atletico posts another goalless stalemate
Atletico Madrid's stuttering season continued as it was held to a third goalless draw in four LaLiga matches by Real Valladolid, which remains unbeaten at home in LaLiga this season.
Diego Simeone's men were let off the hook when Sandro Ramirez ballooned a penalty over the crossbar in the first half at Estadio Jose Zorrilla but failed to impose their authority in a game they were expected to win.
Atleti went into the match with a record of seven goals in seven LaLiga matches this season and its attack was turgid again here, with strike partners Diego Costa and Alvaro Morata receiving scant service.
Valladolid had lost all of its previous eight league matches against Atleti but held firm to claim a valuable point in its push for the top half of the table.
Sandro Ramirez fired a warning shot into Jan Oblak's body as Valladolid tried to unsettle the visitors but Diego Simeone's men dominated the ball early on and slowed the game down.
Chances were few and far between until Thomas Partey tripped Sandro in the box and, after a lengthy VAR (video assistant referee) review, the referee pointed to the penalty spot.
Sandro stepped up in the hope of scoring his first goal for the club but got his penalty all wrong, sending the ball curling high over the crossbar.
Saul Niguez fizzed a shot narrowly wide from 25 yards as Atletico adopted a more direct approach after half-time.
Morata got in behind the hosts' defence and fired a shot that hit goalkeeper Jordi Masip in the face before Valladolid countered and Sandro went close with an effort on the turn.
Kieran Trippier's cross created a chance for Angel Correa with 10 minutes left but the substitute's powerful shot pinged back off the post to the relief of the home crowd, which will have been delighted with a point against one of the title favourites.
