| First Division - Day 32 | |
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Atlético Madrid 0 - Betis 0 Atlético: Leo
Franco (Cuéllar 46'); Seitaridis, Zé Castro, Pablo, Pernía
(Petrov 55'); Galletti, Costinha, Jurado, Antonio López; Agüero,
Fernando Torres (Rufino 64'). 4-4-2. Team changes: Atlético: Seitaridis, Zé Castro, Costinha, Antonio López for Perea, Eller, Gabi, Luccin, / Betis: Doblas, Miguel Angel, Melli, Capi, Robert for Contreras, Ilic, Arzu, Xisco, Edu. Goals: None. Atlético Madrid extended their unbeaten run at home to ten games, although they are further away from the top four after they were held to a 0-0 draw by Betis. Luis Fernández put out an ultra-defensive line up looking for a point to take his side away from the danger zone, and they hardly allowed their opponents a shot at goal throughout the match. Only an effort from Agüero caused any problems for Doblas in the first half, although Leo Franco was hardly troubled at all at the other end, a long Assunçao free kick which just cleared the bar Betis's best chance. Franco had to leave the field injured at the break, Pichu coming on in his place, and Atlético made a second substitution a few minutes later when Petrov replaced Pernía, his first appearance in six months or so after a serious knee injury. The new man made the difference, a header bringing a good save out of Doblas and another effort later on going over the top. However the locals suffered a blow when Fernando Torres limped off the pitch with an ankle injury with almost half an hour to go, and with Mista and three others suspended Aguirre brought on promising youngster Rufino. Luis Fernández himself was also missing key players through suspension ,and he brought on Sobis and Odonkor, who were also returning after lay-offs. Odonkor could have scored if he had been able to control the ball better on a quick breakaway, but otherwise his side defended the point they needed to move closer to safety. Not the greatest of games, but at least both sides came away with something. |
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