Espanyol 0 - 0 Xerez

Xerez claim first top-flight point

Updated: September 27, 2009, 10:15 PM UK

Espanyol were unable to find a way past a defensive Xerez outfit on Sunday as the Andalusians picked up their first ever point in the top-flight in a 0-0 draw.

Espanyol had the better chances in a one-sided match, but saw their hopes of a third consecutive win frustrated as Xerez held out for a draw at Cornella-El Prat.

Mauricio Pochettino's side came into this match favoured to claim victory after wins over Deportivo La Coruna and Malaga in their previous two league encounters.

Xerex, in their first ever season in the top-flight, came into this match without a point or a goal from their previous four matches.

The Andalusians had also conceded 11 goals in the process and knew they would have to produce a sterling defensive effort to take anything from this game. So it proved as the home side started strongly.

Xerez had goalkeeper Renan Brito to thank early on as the Brazilian produced a fine save to deny Jose Callejon.

Callejon, in again for the injured Raul Tamudo up front, was then frustrated once more by Renan after 32 minutes, when the former Valencia keeper got down well to turn his angled drive around the post for a corner.

Five minutes later, Espanyol appealed for a penalty when Ferran Corominas went down in the box under a challenge from Francis. But the referee waved play on and the home side continued to look frustrated as the game wore on.

Nico Pareja saw a header blocked shortly afterwards and then had a fierce shot saved by Renan as Espanyol sought an opener. But it was remaining elusive and the Catalans seemed short of ideas as the second half started.

Coro tried his luck from distance early on, but Renan gathered easily.

Perhaps disappointed by his side's showing in the opening minutes of the second period, Pochettino sent on Spain forward Luis Garcia for Ivan Alonso after 55 minutes.

But Xerez were growing in confidence now and Espanyol hardly looked threatening as the game wore on.

In fact, the next chance fell to the visitors as Mario Bermejo crashed a powerful header against the crossbar with 72 minutes on the clock.

Espanyol came back, though, and came close on a couple of occasions late on.

Shunsuke Nakamura saw his shot blocked after 77 minutes and Moises Hurtado then headed wide from a corner as Renan failed to claim the Japan midfielder's centre.

And the home side almost stole it deep into added time.

Callejon got to the by-line and pulled the ball back for the advancing Ben Sahar, but Renan stuck out a hand to deny the locals once more on what turned out to be a frustrating evening for Espanyol in their third competitive match at Cornella.

The Catalans have now won one, lost one and drawn one at their new stadium.

Despite the draw, Pochettino's side remain in the top half.

Xerez, meanwhile, are still bottom, but will be encouraged after claiming their first ever point in the top-flight.