Celta Vigo settle for draw in home leg of Copa del Rey semifinal
Celta Vigo could manage only a goalless home draw against surprising Alaves in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals on Thursday.
The winner of next Wednesday's return game in Basque Country will face two-time defending champions Barcelona or Atletico Madrid. Barcelona won 2-1 in Madrid on Wednesday.
It was a lacklustre start in Vigo, with few scoring chances created by either side under steady rain at Balaidos Stadium.
Celta striker Iago Aspas had the best chances for the hosts in the second half, first with a dangerous strike saved by Alaves goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco in the 58th minute, and then with a powerful shot that struck the crossbar in the 67th.
Celta midfielder Pablo Hernandez also was denied by the woodwork with three minutes to play.
Alaves had their best opportunity before halftime, when a close-range flick by midfielder Manu Garcia was remarkably saved by Celta goalkeeper Sergio Alvarez in the 40th minute.
Celta tried to control the pace, but never risked too much to avoid conceding an away goal.
Both teams are seeking their first Copa title. Celta are four-time runners-up, while Alaves have never been to the final.
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