Atlanta and Leon played out a 1-1 draw in the Apertura stage six clash at Estadio Azúl on Friday evening. The result leaves the hosts in 14th place with six points after six games, while Leon move up to seventh with ten points. And here's the thing, neither side could find a winner despite creating their chances.
The game remained cautious until the second half when Leon took the lead through A. Alvarado from the penalty spot in the 81st minute. Martin Sarrafiore equalised for Atlanta with a goal in the 90th minute plus one, just before he was substituted himself. There were three changes at the break for Leon, bringing on D. Cambindo, I. Diaz and F. Beltran Cruz, while Atlanta made two late substitutions for D. Gonzalez and A. Escobar in the 87th minute.
Officials showed three yellow cards between them, with S. Vegas and L. Puente booked before the penalty, and E. Pizzuto near the end. S. Vegas was replaced in the 73rd minute after receiving his caution. To be fair, the cards didn't change the complexion of a game that was already running out of time.
Atlanta dominated possession with 48 per cent and registered 13 shots, four on target, while Leon had 52 per cent and 10 shots with five on target. Expected goals figures showed Leon slightly ahead at 1.43 to 1.05, though both sides created just one big chance each. The hosts attempted 422 passes with 353 successful, compared to 476 total and 405 successful for the visitors.
The draw extends Atlanta's recent struggles, having lost to Tigrés UANL 2-0 on their last outing. Leon, meanwhile, are on a good run having won three of their last five matches, including a comfortable 3-0 victory over Real Salt Lake. The result means the gap between them in the table remains at four points.