Week 11's opening fixture in La Liga pitted Espanyol against Malaga at the El Prat, with both sides entering the match off the back of defeats.
Both teams had chances in an end-to-end first period, but neither side could make the breakthrough with the scores level at the interval.
The tempo continued in the second half, but both goalkeepers kept their clean sheets intact as the match ended goalless.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Week 11’s La Liga coverage gets underway at the El Prat as Espanyol welcome Valencia. Both teams enter the match off the back of poor results at the weekend, with Espanyol losing 3-0 on the road against Levante and Malaga suffering a 5-0 home defeat to Celta Vigo. However, both managers will have the chance to put things right this evening.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two teams, Malaga have won three of the last five, with Espanyol winning once and the other fixture ending in a draw. As mentioned, the corresponding fixture last season ended in a goalless draw, but Espanyol were 2-0 winners when they travelled to Malaga in March.
Espanyol currently occupy eighth spot in the table having collected 14 points from their 10 matches thus far. Javier Aguirre’s side made an impressive start to the campaign, but results and indeed performances have dipped in recent weeks with just one win in their last five games in the league. They have also won just once on the road this season.
The home side did become the first team to take points off Atletico Madrid this season when they recorded a 1-0 win over the capital outfit on October 19, but their inability to perform against the lesser teams has been a concern in recent weeks. That said, it is difficult to be too critical after their struggles in the early part of last season.
Goals have been hard to find for Espanyol this season, meanwhile, with just 12 in their 10 matches thus far. Malaga, however, have managed just 11. Down the other end, Espanyol have conceded 14 times - keeping three clean sheets in the process – which is an identical defensive record to their opponents this evening.
It was always going to be a difficult season for Malaga after losing their manager and a number of key players in the summer – and that has proved to be the case thus far. They enter the match off the back of three successive defeats, the last of which was a 5-0 mauling on their own patch by an out-of-form Celta Vigo side.
As it stands, they sit 16th in the table having collected just nine points from their 10 matches thus far. Both of their two wins this season have come on their own patch, with their away form reading - played five, drawn three and lost two. It seems unthinkable that they will be in trouble come May, but they do need to start putting some points on the board.
TEAMS:
ESPANYOL: Castilla; Mattioni, Moreno, Sidnei, Fuentes; Cordoba, Sanchez, D Lopez; Simao, Garcia, Pizzi
MALAGA: Caballero; Gamez, Sanchez, Weligton, Antunes; Portillo, Tissone, Eliseu, Darder; Santa Cruz, Fabrice
So there we have it. Couple of changes for the home side with Cordoba coming into their XI, while Mattioni also gets a start on defence. Malaga have also made changes, however, with Fabrice Olinga paired with Roque Santa Cruz in attack. Eliseu and Sergi Darder also start for the away side.
PREDICTION: Both sides enter the match off the back of poor results last time out, but Espanyol will be confident of picking up all three points on their home patch. Malaga, however, have struggled on the road thus far this season. I do not expect too many goals, but I think the home side will have enough to claim a narrow victory.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Malaga are in their orange kit this evening, while Espanyol line up in their home blue and white. Let's hope for an entertaining fixture as the home side get the action underway on this mild evening in Spain.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a strong atmosphere. You never know with these midweek kickoffs. It has been the away side that have made the better start, however, with the likes of Tissone and Darder seeing plenty of the ball. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital in this type of match, with both low on confidence.
It's bright work from Cordoba as the Espanyol forward drives past two defenders, but Sergio Sanchez comes across to foul the Colombian. The resulting set piece is taken by Simao, who finds Fuentes, but he slices his effort wide of the post. That has certainly lifted the crowd inside the stadium.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with neither side taking too much care in possession of the ball. Espanyol call for a free kick outside the box as Sergio Garcia goes down under a challenge from Weligton, but the referee is not interested. Fairly low-key opening seven minutes to this fixture in the El Prat.
Cordoba has been the star of the show thus far as the Espanyol forward continues to cause problems down the right. Tissone attempts to challenge the Colombian, but fouls the attacker, picking up a yellow card in the process. The resulting free kick is delivered into the box by Simao, but Sanchez clips over his own crossbar for a corner.
Neither side is really in control of proceedings at the moment with both guilty of losing possession in the middle of the park. Espanyol are attempting to force the issue, but aside from Cordoba's pace, they are finding it difficult to cause Malaga concern. That said, the away side have hardly had possession in the final third thus far.
Half-chance for the home side as Fuentes delivers a dangerous cross into the Malaga box, but Weligton is on hand to clear the danger. Malaga threaten down the other end as Portillo delivers towards Santa Cruz, but Moreno manages to clear. Both defences have been compact in the opening 13 minutes of football.
We have not seen too much from Fabrice in the Malaga attack thus far, but the youngster certainly has the pace to cause the home side problems. Both sets of supporters are creating a strong atmosphere, but the tempo has been stop-start in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to deal with a number of fouls.
Just a reminder that following this match we have live text coverage of Barcelona's trip to Celta Vigo - be sure to remain with us for that. Week 11 in La Liga takes place throughout the week, before week 12 begins on Friday evening with Espanyol in action against Barcelona. Right, still goalless with 18 minutes on the clock in the El-Prat.
It's good work from Fabrice as the Malaga forward drives down the left before finding Tissone on the edge of the box, but his effort is blocked by Moreno. Eliseu does test Casilla moments later, but his strike is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. Better from the away side, with the ball suddenly starting to stick in forward areas.
Good possession from Espanyol as they work the ball in the final third, but they are struggling to get the likes of Garcia and Pizzi into the match. The latter is a talented forward, but has yet to really impress for his new club thus far. The most dangerous player on the pitch thus far has been Cordoba in the Espanyol attack.
Fabrice has a chance to open his legs for the away side as he chases a through pass from Darder, but Sidnei comes across to quell the danger at the vital moment. Both teams are playing nice football in the middle third, but neither has been able to find that elusive pass thus far. Still no clear chances to report with 25 minutes on the clock. We are in need of some inspiration here.
The home supporters continue to create a stunning noise inside the stadium, but matters on the pitch have not matched those in the stands thus far. Both managers are currently on the touchline in an attempt to raise their respective teams. Malaga have just started to play the better football in the final third.
Another chance for Cordoba to open his legs as Garcia spots the run of the Colombian, but Antunes is across to clear for a corner. The resulting set piece is delivered into the box by Simao, but Antunes is on hand to clear once more. The second corner - again from Simao - is hooked clear by Weligton.
CHANCE! First clear chance of the match comes to the home side as Pizzi finds David Lopez inside the box, but the Spaniard just falls in the act of shooting and his effort is blocked. The pressure continues outside the box, but Darder manages to clear once more, before Pizzi fires high and wide.
First real sign of Santa Cruz as the Malaga forward uses his presence before finding Tissone outside the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. Espanyol are down the other end moments later, but Garcia loses possession at the vital moment. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
The referee has been more involved than he would like in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of a number of poor challenges in the middle of the park. Antunes looks to be in real pain here, with the Malaga defender leaving the field on a stretcher. It is unlikely that we will see the Portuguese return to the fold.
Well, Antunes has made a fine recovery and does indeed return to the field. Malaga are playing the better football at the moment with Santa Cruz more involved in the final third, but clear chances remain few and far between. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
CROSSBAR! Wonderful work from the away side as Fabrice combines with Portillo before Santa Cruz collects possession inside the box, but his powerful effort thumps off the top of the crossbar. That should have been the opener. Espanyol are down the other end moments later, but Weligton clears under pressure from Garcia.
CHANCE! The chances continue to arrive in the latter stages of the first period as Cordoba's header appears to be heading for the back of the net, but Malaga defender Sanchez is on hand to clear off the line. Simao has an effort moments later, but it was always moving wide of the post.
Half-chance for Pizzi in the latter stages of the first period as the Espanyol forward strikes one from the edge of the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the target. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the first period. Somehow the match is still goalless.
CROSSBAR! Malaga hit the crossbar for the second time in the first period as Eliseu's powerful effort smashes against the woodwork from close range. Good grief this match has suddenly come to life.
HALF-TIME: Espanyol 0-0 Malaga
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. In truth, not too much happened in the opening 40 minutes, but the match has burst into life in the last 10 minutes or so. Malaga have hit the bar twice, while Espanyol have also had a couple of golden chances to open the scoring.
STATISTICS: Malaga dominated the possession in the first period with 61%, but they managed just three attempts to Espanyol's six. That said, as mentioned, Malaga have hit the crossbar twice - once through Santa Cruz and once through Eliseu. Just the one yellow card, meanwhile, it what has been a flowing first period.
BENCH WATCH: Espanyol have the likes of Lanzarote, Bifouma and Stuani on an attacking bench. Meanwhile, Malaga have the likes of Duda, Chen and Samu in reserve. It is a match that could ultimately be decided from the sidelines. There is plenty of talent on each bench there is no question about that.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Celta against Barcelona. Malaga get the second period underway at the El Prat.
Excuse me, there was indeed two changes for the home side at the interval with Lanzarote and Stuani replacing Cordoba and Pizzi, which is a surprise. Espanyol did improve in an attacking sense in the latter stages of the first period, but Aguirre has made changes. Fuentes has an early effort from outside the box, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar.
Half-chance for Garcia as the Espanyol skipper meets a cross from Fuentes, but his header was wide of the target. Malaga attempt to break down the other end with Fabrice, but Moreno fells the youngster. In truth, it has not been a dirty match, but the referee has been forced to deal with a number of late challenges. Still goalless with 50 minutes on the clock in Espanyol.
Half-chance for Malaga this time as Tissone swings a dangerous free kick into the box, but Moreno is on hand to clear at the vital moment. The pressure remains from the resulting corner, but once more the danger is cleared. It would not be surprising if just the one goal separated the two sides this evening.
Stop-start period of the match in the last few moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. The latest free kick allows the away side the chance to deliver a cross into the box, but Eliseu's effort takes a deflection off the wall before moving high and wide of the crossbar.
Neither side is too interested in defending at the moment as both continue to commit players in the final third, but still the score remains goalless. Garcia has another half-chance moments later as he strikes one from inside the box, but Caballero is on hand to collect. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining in this La Liga encounter.
Slight problem for Sidnei as the Brazilian defender clashes with his own teammate, but the centre-back is deemed fit to continue following a period of treatment. Malaga continue to deliver dangerous balls into the Espanyol box, but the home side have been solid in defence this evening. You just get the feeling that the opening goal is coming.
Just a reminder that Espanyol have already made two changes, both of which came at the interval. However, Malaga are yet to look to their bench. We are entering the stage of the match where both managers will be pondering their next move. It is almost impossible to predict what will happen next, with both sides having chances in an end-to-end second period of football.
Again it's good football from Malaga outside the Espanyol box, but the move is cut short when Eliseu is flagged offside. Just the two wins for Malaga in the league this season, but they have been impressive this evening. On the balance of play, the away side should be ahead. Little over 25 minutes remaining. I would be astounded if it finished goalless that is for certain.
CHANCE! Malaga come close to taking the lead as Darder strikes a powerful effort from outside the box, but Castilla manages to get across to make the save. It did appear to be heading for the bottom corner. Portillo has a strike moments later, but it smashes off Moreno before moving high and wide of the crossbar.
Another half-chance for the home side as Stuani meets a cross from Simao, but his header was always moving wide of the crossbar. The referee is involved moments later as the ball hits him while Malaga are on the counter. It does not go down well with Fabrice, but the youngster picks up a yellow card for his complaints.
Safe to say that the home supporters are starting to let their frustrations known as attacks continue to break down in the final third. Neither side is too interested in defending at the moment as both continue to commit players in the final third. However, we are still waiting for the first goal with 72 minutes on the clock.
It's bright work from Fabrice as the Malaga youngster drives past two defenders before attempting to find the top corner, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Garcia continues to look the most likely for Espanyol, but he cannot seem to keep his feet in the penalty area. Some new boots maybe?!
Espanyol make their third and final change of the evening as Thievy replaces Simao, who has just tired in the second period. Still no sign of any movement on the Malaga defence, however. I predicted a narrow home win before kickoff and I am sticking with that. Malaga are a threat on the counter, but Espanyol are just starting to force the issue with 15 minutes remaining.
First sign of Thievy as the Espanyol winger collects possession outside the box before attempting to find the top corner, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Malaga are down the other end with Santa Cruz moments later, but the powerful striker is just crowded out at the vital moment. Somehow this entertaining match remains without a goal.
Malaga look to their bench for the first time this evening as Anderson replaces Portillo for the final 10 minutes or so. Anderson is immediately involved in the final third, but he runs into traffic. Just a quick reminder that following this match we have live text coverage of Celta Vigo against Barcelona.
CHANCE! Another chance for the away side as Anderson's corner is met by Santa Cruz, but the striker can only turn his low effort wide of the post. The noise inside the stadium is quite sensational as Espanyol launch a counter down the other end. Is there to be late drama in the El Prat?
The free-kick count continues to rise as Moreno fells Anderson outside the box. The away side make their second change moments later as Juanmi replaces Fabrice, who made a bright start, but has faded in the second period. Espanyol had been in control, but suddenly Malaga look the team most likely to pick up all the points.
Another chance for Malaga to threaten from a free kick as Anderson stands over the ball outside the box. However, Moreno rises highest inside the box to clear the danger. The away side do not have to wait long for another free kick, however, as Anderson is felled by Lanzarote. Poor from Espanyol.
CHANCE! Incredible chance on the counter for the home side as Bifouma finds Lanzarote, who delivers a sensational cross into the box, but Garcia's effort is saved by Caballero. What a goalkeeper the Argentine is. I shouldn't think there will be another chance of that ilk in the latter stages.
Malaga make their third and final change of the match as Camacho replaces Darder, who has been impressive this evening. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. If there is to be a goal, then it has to come now.
FULL-TIME: Malaga 0-0 Espanyol
So there we have it. The referee brings the match to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Celta against Barcelona. Until then!
