Atlético de Madrid - Athletic Club

Athletic Club remain unbeaten this season and earn a valuable point at the Wanda Metropolitano against champions Atlético after a hard-fought nil-nil draw. The Lions had two great chances to win through Iñaki Williams and Asier Villalibre, but neither could beat Jan Oblak.

Athletic continue to cement their position as the best defensive unit in the competition, having not conceded in the last three games, but they had to sweat it out to get a point at the Wanda Metropolitano. It is a difficult stadium where teams tend to struggle against an opponent with perhaps the best squad in the competition.

Nonetheless, the Lions rose to the occasion, keeping a third consecutive clean sheet and a fourth from the first five LaLiga fixtures of the season.

The good thing about Athletic at the moment is that they rarely allow clear-cut chances. With the exception of Marco Llorente’s shot which Unai Simon nudged on to the post, Diego Simeone’s side did not seriously threaten the Lions’ goal.

In the first half, chances were few and far between. Antoine Griezmann tried his luck and Angel Correa threatened with a diving header. But it was Athletic who had the first big occasion of the game.

A smart Raúl García pass played Iñaki Williams into space, the striker scythed through Atlético’s defence, but hit his effort wide when one-on-one with Oblak.

After Llorente’s effort, Joao Félix was sent off, but Atlético kept pushing. The Lions looked to take advantage of the extra space, with an inspired Nico Williams causing trouble down the right wing after coming on as a substitute.

Asier Villialibre should have made it 0-1 in the 91st minute. The Buffalo was through on goal after a brilliant move between the younger Williams and Alex Berenguer, but Oblak rushed out of his goal to close down the space and Villalibre sent the ball over the crossbar.

The Lions now have nine points from 15 against some tough opponents. Athletic are becoming an extremely difficult team to beat.