Miranda’s first-half red card proved costly as Atletico Madrid’s faltering title defence suffered yet another blow with a 0-0 draw at Espanyol. The champions, looking to bounce back from consecutive league draws with Sevilla and Valencia, produced a toothless performance at Cornella-El Prat as they slipped to fourth in La Liga. Although Diego Simeone’s men created the better chances before the break, their struggles were evident throughout. The physical Felipe Caicedo proved a nuisance and the hosts’ resolute backline kept Fernando Torres quiet until his withdrawal following Miranda’s sending off. Torres and Antoine Griezmann did both spurn good chances, while Raul Garcia saw a couple of late efforts denied. But Sergio’s side were more prominent after the break and only a fine defensive performance kept them at bay. Despite Tuesday’s crucial UEFA Champions League last-16 second leg against Bayer Leverkusen on the horizon, Simeone refused to rest key men for Saturday’s trip. The hosts looked capable of causing problems for Atletico during the early exchanges, with Caicedo and Sergio Garcia particularly lively. But Atletico’s set-piece prowess soon caused panic in the Espanyol defence, as Torres headed on Koke’s 11th-minute free-kick delivery to force Kiko Casilla into an acrobatic save. Koke then went close himself from the resulting corner, lashing a half-volley agonisingly wide of the bottom-left corner.
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