Ten-man PSV keep Atletico at bay
AFP
AFP, EINDHOVEN (THE NETHERLANDS): PSV Eindhoven held out with 10 men to leave their Champions League last-16 tie with Atletico Madrid finely balanced at 0-0 after the first leg on Wednesday.
Atletico had chances to kill the game before half-time as Luciano Vietto and Antoine Griezmann missed one-on-ones with Jeroen Zoet.
The hosts had to resist for the final 20 minutes a man light when Gaston Pereiro saw red for a second bookable offence.
However, Atletico failed to take advantage meaning all is to play for when the sides meet again on March 15 at the Vicente Calderon for a place in the last eight.
From the start of the game we pressed them, played in their half and created chances, Atletico boss Diego Simeone told beIN Sports.
In the second half we controlled the game and (Jan) Oblak didnt have a save to make, so I am very happy with the team.
And despite his sides struggles to score goals of late, Simeone is confident their excellent home record in Europe will see Atletico into the quarter-finals for a third consecutive year.
I dont like to lie and I speak honestly. Playing at home (to decide the tie), how can I not be calm?
Vietto was handed a start ahead of Fernando Torres as Griezmanns strike partner and should have opened the scoring after just three minutes.
Gabis long ball through the middle caught the PSV defence flat-footed and the Argentine lifted the ball over the advancing Zoet, but Jeffrey Bruma got back just in time to clear the ball off the line.
PSV had seen off Manchester United in the group stage to reach the last 16 for the first time in nine years and showed signs they could produce another upset during the first half.
The home fans and coach Phillip Cocu were furious when Jurgen Locadia went down under Gabis challenge inside the area, but referee Daniele Orsato was unmoved.
Yet, Atletico were constantly finding space in behind the Dutch champions defence and Koke was next to have a go at chipping the ball over Zoet but didnt get enough on his effort to beat the keeper.
Griezmann then had the best chance of the game when he raced onto Kokes through ball to beat the offside trap, but Zoet rushed from his line to make a vital save.
