Atletico Madrid were held 0-0 by Barcelona at the Vicente Calderon yesterday.

Barcelona remain top of the Primera Division after their top-of-the-table clash with Atletico Madrid failed to live up to its billing and finished goalless.

Lionel Messi and Neymar started the game on the bench and even when both emerged in the second half, neither were able to give their side an attacking edge against a highly disciplined Atletico outfit, though Messi forced one of few saves from Atletico goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with 10 minutes remaining.

"We wanted to win the match but we can't be reproached for getting this result. It's not a bad thing to close out the first half of the season with 50 points," said Barca coach Tata Martino. "I have the feeling that tonight's match will make us stronger."