Woodwork denies Aspas as Alaves holds Celta Vigo
Iago Aspas hit the crossbar as Celta Vigo was held to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of its Copa del Rey semi-final tie against Alaves at Balaidos.
Alaves' Manu Garcia forced Sergio Alvarez into an excellent save in an opening half otherwise lacking in drama on Friday (AEDT).
Celta was more dominant after the break and Aspas was denied by Fernando Pacheco's superb stop before later striking the woodwork.
Pablo Hernandez then hit the post in a late scramble after Alaves failed to deal with a free-kick as the contest remained evenly poised.
The tie will be decided in the second leg at Mendizorrotza next Thursday, with the winner facing either Atletico Madrid or holder Barcelona in the final.
Celta – conquerors of Real Madrid in the last eight - has never won the Copa and made the last of its three final appearances back in 2001.
Alaves, meanwhile, has never progressed beyond this stage.