Atlético Madrid and Granada played out one of the least thrilling 0-0’s you are ever likely to see, as the ‘Colchoneros’ missed the chance to wrestle a stronghold on second place in La Liga.
Despite Atlético boasting a whopping 70% possession, a relatively subdued opening quarter didn’t see either side muster as much as a shot on target. Yannick Carrasco’s blocked shot was the first meaningful goalmouth action of the game as Atlético sought the opener in their quest to keep Barcelona at arms length in the race for second place. It was in fact Granada who mustered the first shot on target of the game, but Darwin Machís’ tame effort was easily gathered by Jan Oblak. A 0-0 scoreline at HT extends Atlético’s record to seven straight games in which they have not trailed at the break, though you could sense an element of disappointment in the Atlético ranks as they trudged off at HT.
The start of the second half did at least see Atlético pose a little more by way of attacking intent, but Antoine Griezmann’s fierce drive drifted agonisingly wide of the post as the ‘Colchoneros’ chased an opener. That chance certainly didn’t breathe new life into Atlético though, who struggled to find any sort of momentum. A ninth-straight win over Granada was fast slipping through Atlético’s fingers, but it wasn’t for want of trying for Diego Simeone, who had rolled the dice in the form of four substitutions by the 70th minute to no avail.
In truth, there was precious little to report on this contest and it most certainly will not be a contender for game of the season. Aside from the snooze-fest that unfolded, Granada can be quietly content with their evening’s work. A point could prove invaluable in their battle to beat the drop, though it wasn’t quite enough to lift them outside the bottom three. As for Atlético, having played two more games than Barcelona but boasting just a one point lead, second place is now out of their hands, and they will have to rely on results elsewhere if they are to claim that runners-up spot.
