Atletico Madrid coach Abel Resino believes fortune favoured Apoel during their Champions League encounter as the Rojiblancos had to settle for a disappointing home draw from their opening Group D match.
Atletico struggled to get going during the first half, and underdogs Apoel might have held a half-time lead if striker Constantinos Charalambides has made the most of his two great chances.
However, the hosts were a much improved side after the break and they laid siege to the Apoel goal only to be denied by the woodwork, some magnificent goalkeeping from Dionisios Chiotis and some poor finishing as the match finished goalless.
"Apoel were a serious and disciplined team who were lucky in the second half, when we could have scored at least one goal," said Resino. "We created chances from all angles, but we were lacking luck."
Dropping points at home to theoretically the weakest team in the group is a major setback for Atletico, but the result looks even worse bearing in mind that the other sides are Chelsea and Porto.
Next up for Resino's men is a trip to Porto, which was the setting for Atletico's Champions League exit last season at the first knockout stage.
Resino said: "Nobody thought that we'd leave two points behind in this match, but to get through to the Champions League round of 16 we have to beat Porto or Chelsea, and play for the spots against them.
"You never know if this draw will be decisive because football is unpredictable. You never know where you might get three points from. We'll go to Porto with the idea of winning there."
