Atletico in tame Spanish stalemate
MADRID, Spain (Reuters) -- Atletico Madrid and Deportivo Coruna played out a tame goalless draw in the opening leg of their King's Cup third round tie on Tuesday.
Nine-times winners Atletico started well enough, with Ariel Ibagaza and Fernando Torres combining to go close to an opening goal after just two minutes.
The game quickly settled down into a midfield battle, though, as an injury-hit Deportivo side sat back, occasionally looking to hit on the break.
Deportivo, who won the Cup for the second time in 2002, came closest to a goal four minutes from time, when Jose Emilio Amavisca broke through on the left and forced a fine save from Atletico keeper Juanma.
With the clock ticking down, Atletico then missed two excellent chances in the space of a minute.
Depor's reserve keeper Gustavo Munua punched away a shot from Torres and then a volley from Jorge was cleared off the line.
Real Madrid, who last won the Cup 11 years ago, are away to second division Eibar in the opening leg of their tie on Wednesday, while Barcelona travel to face promotion favourites Levante on Thursday.
All the second leg matches are scheduled for next week.
