Espanyol were held to a 0-0 draw by Deportivo de La Coruña in their La Liga Round 12 encounter at the RCDE Stadium on Saturday, despite dominating possession and creating more opportunities in the second half.
The hosts controlled much of the contest, enjoying 64 per cent possession and completing 506 passes compared to Deportivo’s 281.
They also recorded 11 shots, with four on target, while the visitors managed five attempts, only one of which tested the goalkeeper.
Despite Espanyol’s dominance, Deportivo had the better opportunities before the break, creating the game’s only two big chances in the first half but failing to convert either.
The opening period ended goalless, with the visitors registering five shots against Espanyol’s four.
Espanyol stepped up their attacking efforts after the restart, recording seven shots without reply from Deportivo.
They also won eight corners in the second half, compared to their opponents’ one, but could not find a breakthrough.
Deportivo, meanwhile, relied on disciplined defending to protect their goal, making 38 clearances and 13 interceptions, compared to Espanyol’s 17 clearances and six interceptions.
The visitors also won 59 per cent of the overall duels, frustrating the home side’s attempts to penetrate their defensive structure.
Espanyol defender Omar El Hilali was named the Man of the Match after an impressive performance at both ends of the pitch.
He received an 8.5 rating for his defensive contributions and composure in possession, completing 63 of his 71 passes, making six clearances and winning both of his tackles.
Deportivo goalkeeper Leo Román also earned an 8.5 rating after making four saves to help his side secure a valuable away point, while Espanyol goalkeeper Ángel Fortuño received a 7.9 rating.
The result saw both teams share the points after a contest in which Espanyol enjoyed greater territorial control but Deportivo produced the more threatening moments before half-time.
