Soccer-Atletico's title hopes take another hit in 0-0 draw at Alaves
VITORIA-GASTEIZ, Spain (Reuters) -Atletico Madrid's fading hopes of winning the LaLiga title suffered a potentially grievous blow on Saturday as they were held to a goalless draw by relegation-threatened Alaves at the Mendizorrotza Stadium.
Atletico remained third in the standings with 67 points, nine behind leaders Barcelona who travel 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 were unable to find a winner despite creating a number of late chances.
(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond)
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