POOR MADRID STARING AT KNOCKOUT MISERY

ATLETICO MADRID’S hopes hang in the balance after they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by minnows Qarabag from Azerbaijan last night despite playing a large part of the second-half with an extra man.

The home side had far more chances than Qarabag in the first-half but fell behind in the 40th minute when Spanish midfielder Michel, left, rose to meet a corner and his header was too powerful for Oblak.

Midfielder Thomas Partey equalised in the 56th minute with a thunderous long-range strike and Atletico were boosted when Pedro Henrique was sent off a minute later.

Yet despite laying siege to the visitors’ area, the Liga side could not find a winner, while Atletico’s Stefan Savic was sent off for a second booking in the 88th minute.

Diego Simeone’s side are third in Group C on three points, five behind leaders AS Roma and four behind Chelsea.

Elsewhere, stay top of Group D despite a goalless draw at but neither or could take full advantage after they drew 1-1 in Portugal.

Bruno Cesar put the hosts in front but Gonzalo Higuain equalised after 78 minutes and Juventus remain three points behind the Catalans.

looked on course for the last-16 when Luca Zuffi put them in front but second-half goals from Alan Dzagoev and Pontus Wernbloom kept the

in the mix.