Sevilla frustrated in Sporting Gijon stalemate

Sevilla suffered a fourth La Liga game without a win when they were held to a goalless draw at home by lowly Sporting Gijon on Sunday.

Jorge Sampaoli's men remain in fourth place after a dismal run that also saw them exit the Champions League against Leicester.

It could have been even worse for the home side after referee Inaki Bikandi reversed a decision to award the visitors a penalty after a trip in the box after half an hour.

Bikandi initially pointed to the spot but then realised that one of his assistants had raised his flag for offside against a Gijon player.

Sevilla had the better of a low-key first period but failed to get past Sporting keeper Pichu Cuellar, who produced a fine performance to keep his side level at the break.

Cuellar stopped a low shot from Samir Nasri and a long-range effort from Joaquin Correa before denying Wissam Ben Yedder.

The in-form keeper produced his best stop four minutes into the second half when he got down low to deny Vitolo.

Steven N'Zonzi had Sevilla's best chance to grab a winner nine minutes from time when he created space for himself in the box but flashed his shot wide from a tight angle.