Deportivo frustrated by dogged Hajduk

RC Deportivo la Coruña failed to turn their dominance into chances against HNK Hajduk Split as the Croatian outfit secured a goalless draw in their UEFA Cup second qualifying round first leg.

Upper hand
Deportivo, one of eleven winners of the final UEFA Intertoto Cup entering the competition at this stage, were on top throughout at the Riazor but will head into the second leg on 28 August having failed to fashion a significant opportunity during the 90 minutes. Deportivo made three changes from the UEFA Intertoto Cup success against Israel's Bnei Sakhnin FC at the end of last month with goalkeeper Daniel Aranzubía, Mexican defender Andrés Guardado and Zé Castro all starting.

Rubil raid
From the outset, Miguel Ángel Lotina's side took the game to the visitors who in turn waited for their opportunity on the counterattack. Sergio González and Guardado looked threatening in the opening period but ultimately failed to find a way through the Hajduk defence. Goran Rubil, meanwhile, had a sight of goal at the other end but fired over the crossbar eight minutes before half-time. 

Advantage Hajduk
Hajduk stood firm throughout the second period while Deportivo, despite playing with more urgency as the minutes passed, could not alleviate the frustration of their supporters by creating a clear-cut opportunity. The match ended leaving Hajduk happy with their night's work while the Galician club know they will have a tough task in Split in a fortnight's time.