Atletico Madrid battled to a 1-1 draw away to Stuttgart in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday despite being reduced to 10 men, extending their run to just one victory in their last six away matches in the competition.
Stuttgart started aggressively and tested Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak inside the opening minute, forcing the Slovenian to push Bilal El Khannouss’ effort behind for a corner.
Oblak was called into action again from the resulting set-piece, keeping out a powerful strike from Josha Vagnoman before Chris Fuhrich fired over the bar.
Angelo Stiller also threatened with a volley before sending another effort wide as the hosts continued to dominate the early exchanges.
Atletico struggled to create opportunities and registered their first attempt in the 18th minute when Marc Pubill headed over.
Stuttgart eventually made their pressure count as half-time approached. Jamie Leweling fired towards goal from outside the penalty area, with the ball taking a deflection off Martin Hjulmand before beating Oblak to give the hosts the lead.
Atletico managed just one shot on target in the first half, with David Hancko heading a corner straight into the hands of Stuttgart goalkeeper Dennis Seimen.
Diego Simeone’s side responded strongly after the restart and equalised through Julian Alvarez, who converted an Ademola Lookman cross with a first-time finish into the top corner.
The goal shifted the momentum in Atletico’s favour, and they nearly took the lead when Pablo Barrios was denied by Seimen’s foot.
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However, Atletico’s progress was disrupted midway through the second half when Hjulmand received a straight red card for a high challenge on Stiller, leaving the visitors to negotiate the closing stages with 10 men.
Stuttgart seized the initiative and pinned Atletico deep in their own half, but Simeone’s side defended resolutely, repeatedly blocking attempts to protect their point.
The hosts missed a golden opportunity when Jeff Chabot headed wide from close range, despite being unmarked about eight yards from goal.
Grischa Promel also tested Oblak, but Stuttgart could not find a winner despite their late pressure.
The draw leaves Stuttgart with seven points from their opening three league-phase matches, while Atletico have four points from the same number of games.
Atletico’s wait for consecutive clean sheets in the competition for the first time since February 2020 also continues.
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