HT: Barcelona 0-0 Atletico Madrid… Diego Costa sees red as first half ends in draw

Atletico Madrid have been lively enough in the opening 28 minutes, but their striker Diego Costa was sent off during the first half of the match.

Costa did head an effort over the bar, while Antoine Griezmann fired a strike straight at Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

The Spain international was sent off in the 28th minute by referee Gil Manzano for the apparent use of foul and abusive language.

The forward was straight in the face of the official after he did not get a decision in a clash with Lionel Messi.

Manzano handed Costa a straight red card, while Jose Gimenez and Diego Godin were also booked.

The red card changed their approach, forcing them into a rearguard action. Diego Simeone’s men have one of the best defences in the world and their reputation will be put to the test in the second half by the Catalan club.

The home side had come close before the drama as Jordi Alba hit the post, while Philippe Coutinho saw an effort well saved by Jan Oblak.

However, it has not been a thriller between LaLiga’s top two sides yet.

Photo Credit: fcbarcelona.com