Derby spoils are shared

Malaga and Sevilla both passed up opportunities to gain ground in their bids for Europe after playing out a goalless draw.

Malaga and Sevilla both passed up opportunities to gain ground in their respective campaigns to qualify for Europe by playing out a goalless draw at La Rosaleda. The two sides were evenly matched and although the visitors created marginally the better chances, a draw was not an unfair result in the end. The result all put paid to Malaga's already slim hopes of finishing in the top four, as they are five points behind Valencia with one game less to play. Sevilla remained eighthth in the Primera Division table, moving one point ahead of Getafe, but they have still not won away from home since September. Malaga made a bright start to the game and appealed for a penalty after two minutes when Juan Cala intercepted a pass from Isco with his shoulder, but the referee ruled the action to be legal. Alvaro Negredo had Sevilla's first real chance, shooting wide of the near post after a cross from Alberto Bueno. It was the first of several clear opportunities the visitors created in the opening 45 minutes. Ivan Rakitic headed a cross from Diego Perotti wide, then Coke forced a good save from Carlos Kameni, before Negredo volleyed just wide of the post. Kameni had to be alert again early in the second half to keep out a header from Cala. Malaga's only chance of note in the second period was a long range effort from Duda which did not trouble Beto, who had very little to do all evening. In the end the best chance of the game fell to Rakitic with 15 minutes remaining. Negredo crossed to the Croatian from inside the area but the midfielder headed into the side netting.