Norwich and Leeds draw 0-0 in Championship playoffs first leg

Norwich City and Leeds United played out a goalless draw in the first leg of their Championship playoffs semifinal tie on Sunday.

Leeds appealed for a penalty in the seventh minute when Willy Gnonto went down after contact with Borja Sainz on the edge of the penalty area but the referee disagreed.

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Junior Firpo found the net on the half-hour mark but Georginio Rutter was offside during the build-up, causing the goal to be ruled out for the visitors.

The hosts almost broke through in the 53rd minute when a cross from the left reached Gabriel Sara inside the box but his left-footed attempt went just wide.

Norwich keeper Angus Gunn's save at the near post denied Crysencio Summerville before the hour mark and Jack Stacey blocked Archie Gray's left-foot shot from inside the box in the 81st minute to prevent a late Leeds strike.

Norwich, who failed to score at a home game for the first time since December, will visit Leeds for the second leg of the semifinal on Thursday. 

"It was a tough game. I think the first legs in these games are always a bit cagey," Norwich midfielder Kenny McLean told Sky Sports.

"Obviously a bad game for both teams... the second leg, we've got a lot to look forward to."

West Bromwich Albion were hosting Southampton in the first leg of the other semi-final later on Sunday.