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0-0: Goalless at the Stage Front Stadium

RCD Espanyol play out a goalless stalemate against Real Sporting de Gijón

RCD Espanyol were held to a 0-0 draw at home by Real Sporting de Gijón on Sunday.

Into the final five games in the hunt for promotion, Manolo González’s men welcomed another promotion rival to the Stage Front Stadium in a vital game for both sides. Martin Braithwaite and Jofre Carreras had early chances, before Sporting’s goal was quickly ruled out for offside as the game livened up with every shot on goal.

Espanyol had a golden opportunity to take the lead when Brian Oliván’s cross was inch perfect into the box, but Gastón Valles sent it over the bar from close range. Goalless going into the second half and the hosts had to up their intensity, which converted into good attempts from Omar El Hilali and Carreras in a strong start to the half.

It felt like a match for the taking, but Espanyol could not capitalise on their momentum. Braithwaite came close from inside the box, but he shot straight at goalkeeper Rubén Yáñez, then substitute Daniel Queipo almost snatched it for Sporting in a string of late counter attacks for the visitors.

Seven minutes of stoppage time were not enough to find a breakthrough for either side. A goalless draw at the Stage Front Stadium leaves Espanyol three points off the automatic promotion spots, ahead of a trip to current league leaders Real Valladolid next week.