Al Nasr and Al Bataeh played out a goalless draw during their ADIB Cup's gameweek one tie at Al Maktoum Stadium, leaving the contest finely balanced ahead of next week’s decisive return fixture.
The first half offered little in the way of attacking threat, with both sides adopting a cautious approach.
Play was largely confined to the midfield areas, and a lack of accuracy in the final third meant neither goalkeeper was seriously tested before the break.
Al Nasr showed greater intent after the break and came close to finding the opener in the 56th minute when Cheickna Doumbia’s strike cannoned back off the post.
The home side thought they had won a penalty ten minutes later, but the decision was overturned by the VAR after a review.
With chances at a premium, both teams pushed forward in the closing stages but were unable to produce a breakthrough, ensuring the tie remains wide open heading into gameweek two on 5 September at Khalid Bin Mohammed Stadium.
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