Brugge draws with Atlético, advances in Champions League

MADRID (AP) — Club Brugge held Atlético Madrid to a 0-0 draw on the road Wednesday to become only the second Belgian club to reach the round of 16 of the Champions League.

The setback leaves Atlético in a difficult position to advance from Group B. Club Brugge moved to 10 points, six more than the Spanish club. Porto visits Bayer Leverkusen later Wednesday with both teams sitting on three points.

It was Atlético's third straight match without a win in the European competition.

Antoine Griezmann started after Atlético and Barcelona reached a deal for his permanent transfer, but the France striker couldn’t give the hosts the spark they needed at the Metropolitano Stadium.

Griezmann had one of Atlético's best scoring chances but couldn't capitalize. The hosts also came close with a late close-range shot by Álvaro Morata that hit the face of goalkeeper Simon Mignolet before going wide, and Matheus Cunha also missed from close range in stoppage time. Mignolet made several saves throughout the match to stop Atlético's attack.

Griezmann now can play as much as coach Diego Simeone likes after Atlético acquired the France striker for 20 million euros ($19.4 million) plus variables. He had been playing only after the 60-minute mark because Atlético wanted to avoid paying extra to Barcelona in his loan contract with the Catalan club.

Griezmann hasn't scored in nine straight matches for club and country, since a crucial late winner in Atlético's 2-1 win against Porto in the group-stage opener in September, more than a month ago.

Club Brugge has been one of the surprises of the group stage so far with three straight victories. It needed at least a draw to follow up on Gent’s qualification to the last 16 in 2015-16.

Atlético is trying