Atletico Madrid have headed into half time level following a goalless first half in their La Liga match against Malaga this evening.
Thibaut Courtois came under pressure inside the opening five minutes when he failed to claim a Samuel cross, but he managed to gather the ball at the second time of asking.
The hosts had a chance to open the scoring in the 12th minute when Raul Garcia picked out David Villa inside the box, but the striker could only rattle the crossbar with his shot.
Samuel tried to set up Vitorino Antunes down the other end, but the league leaders were able to clear the danger, while Nordin Amrabat tried to cross the ball in shortly after, only to see his delivery collected by Courtois.
Atletico had another good chance shortly before half time when Juanfran played the ball in for Koke, but he could not turn the ball home from inside the box.
With Barcelona also drawing, a win for Atletico this evening would give them the La Liga title with one match still to play.
Sian Cowper
