World Champions Toni Kroos and Sami Khedira have taken another step towards defending the Champions League title following Real Madrid’s 0-0 draw with local rivals Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their quarterfinal tie. The draw puts them in a good position for the return leg in the Estadio Bernabeu next Wednesday.
Kroos played the full 90 minutes, while Khedira spent the game on the bench having just recovered from a back problem.
Oblak makes a string of great saves
The last time the two sides met in this competition was exactly 325 days ago in last season's Champions League final in Lisbon, which Real won 4-1 after extra time.
The visitors dominated large spells of the game, but were unable to get the ball past an outstanding Atletico keeper in the form of Jan Oblak, who made several key saves that kept his side in contention. The first major opportunity in the Estadio Vincente Calderon fell to Gareth Bale in the fourth minute, but the Welshmen was unable to convert against Oblak. Five minutes later, the Slovenia international then kept out a Cristiano Ronaldo free kick, before making two more crucial stops against World Cup golden boot winner James Rodriguez.
Real in control, but missing clinical touch
The second half painted a similar picture to the first, with Real, who have now failed to win any of their seven encounters with the Rojiblancos since lifting the Champions League trophy, continuing to control the game. Toni Kroos, making his 50th Champions League appearance, pulled the strings in Real's midfield but mostly focused on his defensive duties.
The hosts were happy to have former FC Bayern and Wolfsburg striker Mario Mandzukic back on board, having recovered from injury. The former Bundesliga player was as active and aggressive as ever, and he also sustained a cut above his left eye shortly after the restart following a challenge from Sergio Ramos. The incident warranted a penalty and at least a yellow card from Serbian referee Milorad Mazic, but neither were awarded. Atletico increased the pressure towards the closing stages of the game, but Real defended cleverly and the game ended goalless.
Juventus win thanks to Vidal
Italian side Juventus are on course to make their first Champions League semi-final in twelve years following a 1-0 home win over AS Monaco. Former Leverkusen player Arturo Vidal scored the decisive goal of the game from the penalty spot in front of 41,000 spectators.
Monaco are by no means out yet though. They put in a good performance in Turin and the defeat was slightly unlucky from their point of view.