La Liga title race: Atletico Madrid’s hopes take another hit after draw at Alaves

Atletico Madrid’s fading hopes of winning the La Liga title suffered a potentially grievous blow on Saturday as it was held to a goalless draw by relegation-threatened Alaves at the Mendizorrotza Stadium.

Atletico remained third in the standings with 67 points, nine behind leader Barcelona which travels to Real Valladolid later on Saturday. Alaves moved up to 16th, three points clear of the relegation places.

The first half was a cagey affair without a single shot on target, the most notable moment coming when Atletico forward Julian Alvarez was dismissed for planting a high boot on Facundo Garces, though the red card was overturned after the referee consulted the pitchside monitor.

Atleti coach Diego Simeone made five changes in the second half in a bid to shake up the game, and although the substitutions sparked the contest into life, Atletico was unable to find a winner despite creating a number of late chances.