Sporting Gijon Take 0-0 Draw From Athletic Bilbao

Athletic 0-0 Sporting

Sporting came away from San Mames with every chance of progression to the next round of the Copa del Rey after a 0-0 away draw with Athletic Bilbao in their first leg encounter.

The match started slowly, but it was clear even from the early stages that Joaquin Caparros' men, who are so publicly eager to progress, were not "at home" at home.

Still, Sporting had signs of frustration and carelessness as Omar picked up a 10th minute booking for a late challenge on Pablo Orbaiz; the visitors, too, almost suffered 10 minutes later as Fernando Llorente headed wide from Andoni Iraola's cross.

Right down the other end, though, David Barral saw his shot only just float past the post of Gorka Iraizoz, and when Jose Angel oh-so-nearly scored with a free-kick seconds later the hosts were on the ropes.

Nonetheless Athletic had a superb chance to take the lead after Neru was judged to foul Llorente in the box; the defender protested, but he needn't have bothered after Llorente blasted the penalty wide nd to to the left.

Omar set up Lora for a fine opportunity that brought out the best in Iraizoz soon afterwards, and in fact Sporting were to end the first period with an array of chances going their way.

Heading into the second half, though, Javi Martinez so nearly opened the scoring with a header, and Athletic's claims to victory were once again real.

But it was end-to-end stuff for the most part; as soon as Sastre came close at one end, Lora was forced to clear off the line from Llorent at the other.

As the game progressed Athletic began to run short on ideas, while Sporting used the channels well to avoid the physical Lions' midfield line.

But for all their crosses there were very few chances; and in fact the active Llorente was to have the last chance as he forced a save from Sergio Sanchez right at the death.

0-0 it ended, and although Sporting had the better chances it was a fair result, and one that will strike Athletic as an opportunity missed... not just from the penalty spot, either.

Match Stats: Athletic Bilbao 0-0 Sporting Gijon (Copa del Rey)