Atletico Madrid again stumbled yesterday drawing 0-0 with Espanyol.

Atletico were the better side even after defender Miranda was shown a straight red card for an elbow and they were only denied a late winner by some fine goalkeeping by Kiko Casilla.

Although Atletico did well to stay in command of the game after Miranda was dismissed, this was their third straight draw in the league and meant they remained in third place behind Valencia.

Atletico coach Diego Simeone said: "The first half was quite evenly-balanced. We had the odd chance on goal - Griezmann's angled shot for example. In the second half we put in a very good performance, showing the qualities which have characterized this team for the past three and a half years. Even with 10 men we could have gone on to win but their keeper had a fantastic game."