UCL: Atletico Struggles Against Lokomotiv As Qualification Tightens

Atletico Madrid struggled against Lokomotiv Moscow but had to settle for a goalless home draw in the Champions League on Wednesday with a mountain to climb if qualification to be attained.

AllNews understands that the draw left Atletico second in Group A on five points after four games, with Lokomotiv third on three. Bayern Munich has qualified with 12 while RB Salzburg is last with one.

? Record 15 Champions League wins in a row ✅
? Qualification from Group A secured ✅

Describe this Bayern team in one word! ?#UCL

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 25, 2020

Atletico thought they had found a breakthrough midway through the second half when Koke netted on the rebound after a shot from Yannick Carrasco but the goal was ruled out for a narrow offside following a VAR review.

Defender Jose Gimenez missed a glorious chance to grab the winner in the closing stages, rising to meet a corner but narrowly heading wide of the near post.

Atletico host Bayern next week before visiting Salzburg in their final game and may have to win both matches to guarantee their passage to the last 16.

Koke made a record despite the disappointing draw as the Spaniard made a record 100th European appearance, more than any player in Atleti's history.

? @Koke6 made his 100th European appearance tonight – more than any other player in Atleti's history.

Well done, captain! ?

?⚪ #AúpaAtleti pic.twitter.com/tN2Tl3bZNi

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) November 25, 2020

"We are very angry, the Champions League waits for no-one," said Koke.

"We have been playing well recently but we have to win our next games now. We started with a lot of intensity and had a lot of chances but sometimes the ball just doesn't want to go in."

READ ALSO: UCL: Atletico Madrid Held By Salzburg

His side still made a flying start and should have taken the lead in the second minute when Marcos Llorente crossed to Joao Felix, but the 126 million-euro forward failed to properly make contact with the ball.

Llorente, Yannick Carrasco, and Angel Correa all tested visiting keeper Guilherme later in the first half as Atletico ended the game with 20 shots on goal to Lokomotiv's four, while the visitors only had one attempt on target.

Lokomotiv almost stole a winner deep in added time with a rare venture into Atletico's area but Stefan Savic made a crucial challenge to prevent what would have been a disastrous goal for the Spaniards and a lifeline for the Russians.

"We weren't clinical, we lacked freshness but we played well, we were intense and wanted to win, and we could have scored a few times in the first 20 minutes," added Simeone.

"The Champions League is getting a little difficult for us but we hope we can do better in our next game."