Atletico stutter against Osasuna in La Liga opener

Posted Sunday, August 28, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

MADRID, Aug 28 (Reuters) - A new-look Atletico Madrid suffered a setback in their opening La Liga match of the season when they squandered several chances and twice struck the post in a 0-0 draw at home to Osasuna on Sunday.

In brilliant sunshine at a festive Calderon, midfielder Eduardo Salvio was guilty of poor finishing and curled an effort off the upright in the first half, while former Arsenal winger Jose Antonio Reyes hit the post with a powerful swerving shot shortly after the break.

Osasuna goalkeeper Andres Fernandez pulled off a string of fine saves to deny the home side and Atletico were fortunate substitute Nino opted for power rather than precision in blasting wide from close range at the death.

Madrid’s second club have seen Argentina striker Sergio Aguero and Spain Under-21 goalkeeper David De Gea depart for the English Premier League this summer, while Uruguay forward Diego Forlan looks poised to leave for Serie A side Inter Milan and was not included in the squad for Sunday’s game.

Atletico also have a new coach in Gregorio Manzano, who has begun a second stint with the club after replacing Quique Sanchez Flores at the end of last season.

He has brought in players including club record-signing Falcao, Turkey midfielder Arda Turan, who came off the bench to make a second-half debut on Sunday, and Spanish Under-21 striker Adrian.

La Liga is getting underway a week late after last weekend’s first round of matches fell victim to a strike called by the players’ union (AFE) over unpaid wages, a dispute with the league (LFP) that was finally resolved on Thursday.

Those games, including Barca at Malaga and Real at home to Athletic Bilbao, will now be played in January.

Champions Barca begin their bid for a club record-equalling fourth straight title at home to Villarreal on Monday (1900 GMT), when former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas could make his home league debut.