Ten-man Espanyol hold misfiring Atletico to 1-1 draw

Ten-man Espanyol battled to a 1-1 LaLiga draw at Atletico Madrid on Sunday, another disappointing result for Diego Simeone's team days after they were eliminated from European competition.

Atletico, who have won only one of their last six games in all competitions, are third in the standings on 24 points, eight behind Real Madrid who play Rayo Vallecano on Monday and 10 adrift of leaders Barcelona.

Espanyol remained 16th, one point clear of the relegation zone.

Despite playing most of the match with 10 men after defender Leandro Cabrera was shown a straight red card for a last-man foul on Alvaro Morata, Espanyol defended well.

They also made the most of their only shot on target in the second half when Sergi Darder was set up by a Joselu header to volley home in the 66th minute.

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

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Substitute Joao Felix rescued a point for Atletico in the 78th minute, slotting a precise shot into the bottom corner following a counter-attack. 

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak said: "It's a draw which doesn't help us much. We looked for the win, we had chances, we did everything but we're at a point where things don't go our way. We're disappointed with the draw, we deserved more but that's football."

"Psychologically we aren't right, because it isn't normal what's happening to us. When you aren't right psychologically, your body doesn't work as it should. But we created a lot of chances, we're lacking calm in attack and that's a head thing. Until we're able to calm ourselves we won't get the results we want. You can play well or badly but you have to take your chances and we aren't lately."

Atletico coach Diego Simeone said: "There's no other way but to keep working. We need the calm and the coolness to finish better in the opposition box. And we have to bring that, from the club, from the coaching staff, so that when we get chances we are calm enough to take them."