Atletico Madrid dropped points in a 0-0 draw at Levante, missing a chance to close the gap on LaLiga leaders Barcelona.
Atletico Madrid missed the chance to cut the gap on LaLiga’s top two after being held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Levante in Valencia. Diego Simeone’s side dominated possession in spells but lacked cutting edge. Levante defended with discipline and earned a valuable point. The result leaves Atletico seven points behind leaders Barcelona.
The visitors arrived knowing victory would apply pressure above them. Instead, another blunt display away from home raised fresh questions. Simeone cut a frustrated figure on the touchline. Levante, battling near the bottom, executed their plan well.
Atletico almost struck inside two minutes when Nico Gonzalez powered a header on target. Mathew Ryan reacted sharply to tip it over the bar. Levante responded through Kareem Tunde, who drilled wide from a tight angle. The early tempo suggested chances would follow.
Gonzalez remained lively and tested Ryan again before the break. He sliced at a rebound after Johnny Cardoso’s effort was blocked. The ball flashed into the side netting. It summed up Atletico’s first half frustration.
The second half followed a similar pattern. Atletico pushed higher but struggled to open space centrally. Levante remained compact and patient. Their counter attacks carried limited threat but slowed the game.
Karl Etta Eyong wasted a promising break on the hour. He fired straight at Jan Oblak from range. Moments later, Ryan denied Gonzalez again at the other end. Clear chances remained scarce.
Julian Alvarez was introduced to spark the attack after Alexander Sorloth went down injured. He dragged a shot wide, though he was flagged offside. Later, his header forced an acrobatic save from Ryan. Atletico pressed late but without conviction.
Levante nearly stole it in the closing minutes. Adrian de la Fuente met a cross with a glancing header. Oblak stretched to palm it away. It was the closest either side came to a winner.
Ryan was Levante’s standout performer. He made several smart saves and commanded his area well. Gonzalez was Atletico’s most threatening outlet. He led the game for shots and touches in the box.
Alvarez endured another quiet night. His movement caused occasional problems but confidence looked low. Oblak was rarely tested yet delivered when required. Defensive units dominated proceedings.
The match produced few clear chances. Atletico finished with 0.9 expected goals from 10 shots. Four of those were on target. Levante created 0.37 expected goals from the same number of attempts.
Alvarez has now gone 11 LaLiga matches without scoring. It is his longest league drought in Europe. Atletico’s struggles in the final third remain a concern. Levante will value the clean sheet.
Atletico remain third but momentum has stalled again. They face a demanding run with domestic and European commitments ahead. Simeone will need a response quickly when his side travel to Real Betis in midweek for the Copa del Rey quarterfinals fixture. Levante, still near the bottom, travel to Athletic Club next.
For the hosts, resilience will be key in the relegation fight. For Atletico, missed opportunities are piling up. The title race waits for no one.
