Atletico Madrid extend staggering record against Getafe – but drop crucial points

Atletico Madrid endured another frustrating night as they drew 0-0 with Getafe – but they did extend their run of failing to concede against their opponents to an incredible 19 games.

The first half told the story of the evening for the visitors, who knocked on the door but couldn’t find a way through a stubborn Getafe backline. Yannick Carrasco was presented with an early chance for Los Rojiblancos, but his effort was parried away by David Soria.

Atleti were much improved in the second half, once Joao Felix was brought on in place of Saul Niguez, and the Portuguese wonderkid added some much-needed guile and urgency to his side’s play. But it was Marcos Llorente who had the next opportunity for the league leaders, although he scuffed his shot at goal.

Felix then thought he had opened the scoring just past the hour mark, but his joy was short-lived as the referee decided to rule it out – noticing that the ball had already gone out of play in the buildup to the goal.

Diego Simeone’s men were given further hope on 70 minutes, when after a VAR review, Allan Nyom received his marching orders for a horrific stamp on Renan Lodi, handing Los Colchoneros 20 minutes to throw everything at their hosts.

Getafe goalkeeper Soria then pulled off a string of fantastic saves to deny Moussa Dembele, Felix and Lodi, increasing Simeone’s frustration with each impressive stop. Luis Suarez thought he’d finally got the better of the shot-stopper, but his cheeky chip clipped the post, and bounced away from goal, rather than over the line.

Atleti huffed and puffed in the final 15 minutes, with Dembele spurning another chance, this time through a poorly-executed header, and the league leaders were forced to settle for a point at Getafe – leaving the title race wide open.