Girona moved top of the LaLiga table but failed to fully capitalise after being held to a frustrating goalless draw at rock -bottom Almeria.

With Real Madrid and Barcelona in Saudi Arabia for Sunday evening’s Spanish Super Cup final, Michel Sanchez’s in-form side had a major opportunity to put pressure on their title rivals.

Yet they climbed only a point above Real after failing to break down struggling opposition without a league win all season.

A disappointing afternoon for the high-flying visitors at Power Horse Stadium was compounded by midfielder Aleix Garcia being sent off 10 minutes from time for a last-man challenge on Gonzalo Melero.

The result could have been worse as struggling Almeria, who are 10 points from safety after taking only six points from 20 games this term, had the better of the limited chances.

Brazilian forward Leo Baptistao forced a fine save out of Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga before Garcia’s dismissal left the away side holding on in the final stages.