In stark difference to the previous encounter between the clubs two weeks ago, FC Astana recorded a valuable point in their bid for third place; however Atlético Madrid will rue their chances in keeping up with Group C leaders S.L. Benfica.
The Madrid side traveled to the Astana Arena in the fourth fixture of the group stage in this season’s Champions League. However the fixture would not be a repeat of the romp at the Vicente Calderón two weeks ago and instead saw the 2013-14 Champions League finalists surprisingly struggle to break down a determined Astana side who continue to push for the third and automatic Europa League place in what is the Kazakh side’s maiden campaign in the Champions League.
Atléti started with intent, knowing full well that a win was vital in the fight for the important first place finish with Benfica leveled on six points. Inside the space of two minutes, Diego Simeone’s side had three golden opportunities to open the scoring with Gabi, Juanfran and Tiago all having attempts on goal either blocked or narrowly too high.
The away side continued to press and looked threatening at set pieces with Koke delivering an excellent corner kick that was wasted by Saúl Ñíguez. Astana began to get into the game with the home side threatening Jan Oblak in goal with Junior Kabananga and Foxi Kethevoama having easy efforts that would not have pleased Simeone. Koke looked to be the man to make the difference, shooting from a difficult angle and long range on the left from a direct free kick, hitting the woodwork on the stroke of half-time.
Astana would start the second half the stronger of the two teams, however, another dangerous corner kick from Koke brought out a save from Nenad Eric after a Diego Godín header. Koke continued to provide chances for his side with Tiago and Antoine Griezmann further being guilty of wasting opportunities to give Atléti the advantage.
Simeone looked to try utilizing his strength in depth as well as the opposition’s tired legs by bringing on Jackson Martínez, Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco and Óliver Torres to break the deadlock, however excellent saves from Eric late on would deny Atléti three points they needed. The point leaves Astana on two points, two away from third placed Galatasaray, who lost later that evening to leaders Benfica. For Atléti, the draw leaves the Spanish side dangerously placed in second, two points behind the leaders and only three points above Galatasaray, their next opponents.
