Gareth Bale missed a glorious chance as Atletico Madrid held rivals Real Madrid to a goalless draw in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Wales forward Bale was through on goal in the third minute, but was thwarted by Jan Oblak, who was impressive for the home side throughout.
The goalkeeper also made a crucial save from James Rodriguez, as Mario Suarez missed a late chance for Atletico.
The sides meet again in the second leg at the Bernabeu on 22 April.
Real are aiming to become the first team to win back-to-back European Cups since AC Milan in 1989 and 1990, having defeated Atletico in last season’s final.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men have now not beaten their opponents in seven meetings since claiming La Decima – their 10th European Cup – which includes a 4-0 La Liga thumping in February.
The Italian manager fielded a line-up which had Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema up front, and former Tottenham winger Bale also started after missing the weekend league victory over Eibar with a thigh injury.
Their attacking intent was clear to see as Los Blancos monopolised possession, but the organised structure of Diego Simeone’s well-drilled side – who defended stoutly at the Vicente Calderon – meant the visitors were unable to find a breakthrough.
The Argentine, however, will not be too displeased with the result, after his side did not concede an away goal.
They were particularly indebted to goalkeeper Oblak for a goalless scoreline after the Slovenian twice thwarted efforts from Bale, as well as keeping out Rodriguez’s curled strike.
Atletico’s best chances came in the final few minutes as midfielder Suarez had an overhead kick pushed away by Iker Casillas – making a record 147th appearance in the competition – and Alvaro Arbeloa blocked Mario Mandzukic’s rasping drive.
Ronaldo, whose only real effort on goal was a 30-yard free kick gathered easily by Oblak, failed to become the Champions League’s record goalscorer, remaining on 75 goals in the competition with rival Lionel Messi.
The Barcelona forward can take the lead in the scoring chart on Wednesday, when his side face Paris St-Germain in France.
Welshman Gareth Bale missed a glorious chance early on for Real
Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak made a number of saves to preserve a clean sheet
Goalkeeper Iker Casillas surpassed Barcelona’s Xavi to become the competition’s highest appearance maker with 147 games
Atletico striker Mario Mandzukic was left bloodied after a clash with Real defender Sergio Ramos
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Source: BBC Sport
Gareth Bale missed a glorious chance as Atletico Madrid held rivals Real Madrid to a goalless draw in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Wales forward Bale was through on goal in the third minute, but was thwarted by Jan Oblak, who was impressive for the home side throughout.
The goalkeeper also made a crucial save from James Rodriguez, as Mario Suarez missed a late chance for Atletico.
The sides meet again in the second leg at the Bernabeu on 22 April.
Real are aiming to become the first team to win back-to-back European Cups since AC Milan in 1989 and 1990, having defeated Atletico in last season’s final.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men have now not beaten their opponents in seven meetings since claiming La Decima – their 10th European Cup – which includes a 4-0 La Liga thumping in February.
The Italian manager fielded a line-up which had Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema up front, and former Tottenham winger Bale also started after missing the weekend league victory over Eibar with a thigh injury.
Their attacking intent was clear to see as Los Blancos monopolised possession, but the organised structure of Diego Simeone’s well-drilled side – who defended stoutly at the Vicente Calderon – meant the visitors were unable to find a breakthrough.
The Argentine, however, will not be too displeased with the result, after his side did not concede an away goal.
They were particularly indebted to goalkeeper Oblak for a goalless scoreline after the Slovenian twice thwarted efforts from Bale, as well as keeping out Rodriguez’s curled strike.
Atletico’s best chances came in the final few minutes as midfielder Suarez had an overhead kick pushed away by Iker Casillas – making a record 147th appearance in the competition – and Alvaro Arbeloa blocked Mario Mandzukic’s rasping drive.
Ronaldo, whose only real effort on goal was a 30-yard free kick gathered easily by Oblak, failed to become the Champions League’s record goalscorer, remaining on 75 goals in the competition with rival Lionel Messi.
The Barcelona forward can take the lead in the scoring chart on Wednesday, when his side face Paris St-Germain in France.
Welshman Gareth Bale missed a glorious chance early on for Real
Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak made a number of saves to preserve a clean sheet
Goalkeeper Iker Casillas surpassed Barcelona’s Xavi to become the competition’s highest appearance maker with 147 games
Atletico striker Mario Mandzukic was left bloodied after a clash with Real defender Sergio Ramos
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Source: BBC Sport