Celta Vigo held to goalless draw by Alaves in semi-final first leg

Celta Vigo were held to a goalless draw by Alaves in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final despite the best efforts of Iago Aspas.

The Spanish international striker took matters into his own hands in the second half, smashing a strike off the crossbar, also coming close to finding the visitors’ net with an audacious overhead kick effort.

But not even an inspired Aspas could make the difference as a well-organised and well-organised Alaves side claimed a goalless draw that will give them an edge heading into next week’s semi-final second leg.

Barcelona overcame Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon in the other Copa del Reys semi final first leg played on Wednesday night, with Alaves now best played to set up a meeting with the Catalan giants.

Who has the upper hand ahead of the second leg? Once upon a time a goalless draw for an away side was considered a real advantage for that team heading into the second leg of a 180-minute tie. But times have now changed and Celta Vigo won’t look at this result as the end of the world. They will recognise that an away goal next week will put them in a commanding position. This tie will change when the first goal is struck.

Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo): The former Liverpool striker was relatively subdued in the first half, but really came into his own after the interval. Aspas took a single-handed grip of the contest, causing the Alaves defence problems on his own. He struck the crossbar with a ferocious half volley and sent an audacious overhead kick wide as well, also forcing a remarkable save from goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco from a near post effort. Aspas deserved better than to draw a blank after a display like this.

Celta Vigo: Sergio 6, Mallo 7, Cabral 7, Roncaglia 6, Jonny 6, Diaz 7, Radoja 6, Hernandez 6, Wass 7, Bongonda 6, Aspas 8. Subs: Gomez 5, Sisto 6, Guidetti 6.

Alaves: Pacheco 7, Femenia 5, Laguardia 7, Feddal 8, Theo 6, Llorente 7, Camarasa 7, Garcia 7, Gomez 5, Toquero 6, Deyverson 7. Subs: Romero 6, Edgar 5, Vigaray 5.

42’ - GREAT SAVE FROM SERGIO! That might well be the best chance of the match so far. Camarasa clipped a cross to the near post where Garcia managed to get a flick on it. Sergio made the diving stop.

61’ - ASPAS SHOULD SCORE! Wass' corner kick is knocked on to the back post where Aspas collects it, but his shot from a tight angle is saved by Pacheco. What a save that was!

71’ - OFF THE CROSSBAR! Wow! What an effort from Aspas! That was inches away from being the opener. Aspas met a cross on the half volley, smashing his strike off the woodwork!

78’ - EFFORT FROM ASPAS! The Celta Vigo ghosts in behind the Alaves defence to get on the end of a clip over the top, but he sends his overhead kick wide of the target. Admirable.

82’ - INJURY PROBLEM! Cabral has simply sat down in the middle of the pitch and it looks like the experienced centre back is going to have to come off for Celta Vigo. Change needed.

88’ - OFF THE POST! Celta Vigo come within inches of finally finding the breakthrough! A freekick causes mayhem in the Alaves box, but Hernandez's stabbed shot comes off the base of the post.

Celta Vigo have only has lost one of their last 16 Copa del Rey matches, with 28 goals scored and 14 conceded.