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ASTANA, Kazakhstan (AP) — Atletico Madrid was left frustrated in a 0-0 draw with Kazakhstan's Astana in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Atletico had the better chances but was unable to break down Astana's determined defense on a freezing night in Central Asia. Substitute Yannick Carrasco came closest in the last attack of the game when Astana's Nenad Eric stretched to save his low shot.
Fernando Torres shot wide from a good position in the 32nd minute. After a quiet first half, Atletico threw men forward in search of three points, with Antoine Griezmann dragging a shot wide and Jose Maria Gimenez's header testing Eric.
While Atletico hit the crossbar twice, it was from a mishit corner and an off-target cross rather than genuinely threatening shots.
Astana started well with Dmitry Shomko forcing Atletico keeper Jan Oblak into a save from a narrow angle and Roger Canas heading over from a cross.
Despite failing to win, Atletico kept its third clean sheet from four group games.
The first Kazakh team in the Champions League group stage had been widely expected to struggle in Group C but Astana remains unbeaten at home after the Atletico game and a 2-2 draw with Galatasaray.
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