Racing Santander 0-0 Atletico Madrid: Juanjo Gonzalez's side thwarts Atleti's climb up La Liga with a resolute defensive display

Posted Sunday, February 12, 2012 by YAHOO Sport

Atletico Madrid continued its unbeaten record under Diego Simeone but despite numerous opportunities was held to a 0-0 draw by a determined Racing side at El Sardinero.

Juanjo Gonzalez's side was indebted to Tono after Alvaro Dominguez, Arda Turan and Falcao in particular were all denied by the shot stopper securing an unlikely point for the Cantabrians.

Diego Simeone's side could have found itself ahead in the opening 15 minutes when Falcao was presented with two fantastic opportunities. The Columbian failed to connect with a cross driven across goal before directing a header, from just six yards out, straight at Tono.

Racing struggled to threaten Atleti's goal as the team was content with preventing the visiting team from working a clear opening. Christian Stuani wasted Racing's best opportunity bringing out a comfortable save from Thibaut Courtois.

After an uninspiring opening Los Rojiblancos enjoyed a sustained period of possession culminating in Arda Turan lashing a long range effort toward goal. Tono, in the Racing goal, had to be alert as he was forced into palming the ball away.

In the last action of the first half Racing appealed to the officials for handball in the Atletico penalty area following a free kick. But it was to no avail as the sides went into the break level.

Racing's Adrian created the first chance in the second half when he worked space on the edge of the area. The Spaniards' footwork gave him sight of goal but his shot was comfortable enough for Courtois who made a routine save.

Atleti responded well and Tono was forced into a vital stop from Falcao. The Colombian attempted to find Adrian at the far post, who would have had the simplest of tap-ins had the ball reached him.

The visiting side continued to pressure and Diego's battling run ended in the Brazilian hitting the upright before Tono denied him soon after with a one handed save. Following the 'keepers acrobatics the ball fell at Falcao's feet but his effort from an acute angle rebounded off the outside of the post when faced with an open goal.

With 15 minutes remaining Tono made two vital stops in quick succession as he kept the scores level. His reactionary save, which saw him punch the ball clear from Alvaro Dominguez's point blank header, invited Atleti to send the ball across again. Falcao was lurking at the far post and his header into the opposite corner forced Tono to make a wonderful stop diving to his right.

Atleti continued to press in the latter stages of the match but was unable to find an elusive goal, and despite Simone's side still yet to concede under his management the new coach will be disbelieving as to how his team didn't win the match.

Racing will be hoping to repeat the defensive display when it visits the Bernabeu next, while Atletico returns to Europa League action against Lazio.