Champions' League, semi final first leg

Porto 0 - Deportivo La Coruña 0

A good result for Deportivo La Coruña in their first ever Champions' League semi final, Javier Irureta's side coming away from Porto with a 0-0 draw. Both sides were nervous from the start, and the first half was full of errors as the they sounded each other out. Pandiani was the only one who went close for the Spaniards, and he almost beat Vitor Baia to Valerón's cross after the restart. But Maniche hit the bar at the other end with Molina beaten, and Depor were lucky to be let off the hook when half time substitute Jankauskas headed just wide, and referee Markus Merck booked Marco Ferreira for diving when he was brought down by Mauro Silva in the penalty area. Depor were left with ten men for the last few minutes when Andrade was sent off rather harshly after a playful kick at his old team mate and friend Deco, and Mauro Silva picked up a booking which will also keep him out of the second leg. But Irureta had got the result he wanted, and his side are in line for a final rematch with Monaco, who scored eight against them in the league stage. (21.04.04)