Atletico Madrid's bid to go top of Champions League Group C for a few hours at least has been a struggle and they remain goalless at the midway point of their match in Kazakhstan against Astana.

Diego Simeone's side began matchday four level on points with Benfica at the top of the group, but lie in second spot due to the fact that they lost to the Portuguese side in September.

Atletico had more of the ball in the first half but created few chances against an Astana side who are bottom of the group with one point to their name.

After 10 minutes Tiago Mendes had an opportunity to put the visitors in front, but his shot was blocked after he reacted quickest to a loose ball in the area.

Astana had only two shots on target of the first period, but both were weak and easy for Jan Oblak to gather.

At the other end, Fernando Torres, on his first Champions League start of the season, spurned by far the clearest chance of the opening 45 when Juanfran's long ball was misjudged by the Astana defence and Torres prodded wide with just Nenad Eric to beat.

Koke also went close for the visitors just before the break when his free kick from a tight angle looped over Eric and bounced up off the top of the crossbar.