Atletico held goalless by Betis in La Liga

Madrid April 23 (IANS) Atletico Madrid were held 0-0 by Real Betis at a La Liga match at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium before 54 600 fans.

The Sunday match -- marked by Atletico s intensity and tactical planning and Betis ball possession and offensive effort a combination that was more apparent than real -- yielded merely a draw between the two teams reports Efe.

During the first half visiting goalkeeper Dani Gimenez -- who later sustained an injury resulting in his replacement by Pedro Lopez -- saved a header by Atletico s Fernando Torres.

With 21 minutes remaining Tello hit the outside of the post missing a chance for the visitors to score the match s first and perhaps game-winning goal.

Atletico are set to play Arsenal in London on Thursday in the Europa League semi-finals and keeping the match in mind they used Antoine Griezmann Koke and Diego Godin as substitutes.

"This game gave us an idea on how our match against Arsenal is going to be " Torres said as reported by Atletico s website. "Both teams had chances."

With the result both Atletico and Betis retained their respective La Liga positions with the former remaining in second place and the latter in fifth.

Atletico have 72 points from 34 matches and are four points ahead of third-placed Real Madrid.

League leaders FC Barcelona now need only a win to secure the La Liga title as they have 83 points from 33 games. Diego Simeone-coached Atletico can only reach a total of 84 points if they manage to win all of their remaining matches.

--IANS
pur/mr