Deportivo deny rampant Rosenborg

RC Deportivo La Coruña held Rosenborg BK to a goalless draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League third qualifying round tie despite an onslaught from the home side.

Molina heroics
The Norwegian champions had the better of the chances but were continually denied by the heroics of Spanish goalkeeper José Molina. Rosenborg's first significant opportunity arrived after 17 minutes when Frode Johnsen set up Azar Karadas, but he delayed his strike allowing Jorge Andrade to recover.

Brattbakk shot
Six minutes later, Deportivo rode their luck once more when Mauro lost possession on the edge of his own area, allowing striker Harald Brattbakk to fire in a low snap-shot that beat Molina but rolled the wrong side of the post.

Visitors' opportunity
Deportivo's best effort in the first half came after Diego Tristán and Juan Valerón combined on the edge of the area. Valerón eventually sent José Amavisca clear but he sliced his first-time shot wide of the near post.

Solli cross
Rosenborg continued to move forward after the break, and with 14 minutes remaining, Jan Gunnar Solli picked up the ball wide on the right and found room for a cross. Frode Johnsen managed to get across his marker but was just unable to get his head to the ball.

Another save
Seven minutes later, Deportivo's defence was nearly breached when the lively Erik Hoftun surged forward but his dipping effort was pushed away by Molina.

Dogged attitude
The Spanish side held on thanks to a combination of their dogged attitude and possession football, and will feel they have set themselves up well for another group stage appearance after the return in two weeks' time.