Liga Sagres: Academica 0 Uniao Leiria 0

Academica missed a chance to edge closer to the Liga Sagres’ Europa League places, after being held 0-0 by lowly Uniao de Leiria on Friday.

Leiria are desperate for results in their battle to beat the drop, moving out of the relegation zone with their point in Coimbra.

It was perhaps exactly what the visitors set out to do, fielding a defensive-looking line-up and seemingly happy to limit themselves to counter-attacks when going forward.

Brazilian midfielder Diogo Melo went closest for Academica, with his second-half attempt needing a goal-line clearance from Leiria right-back Ivo Pinto.

Nigerian midfielder John Ugochukwu had the chance to steal it for Leiria in the final 10 minutes, but Academica goalkeeper Romuald Peiser was equal to the shot.

Academica stay seventh and are seven points adrift of the Europa League places, ahead of the rest of the weekend’s matches.