Espanyol and FC Barcelona produced a dull 0-0 draw in the first leg of their Kings Cup quarter-final in the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona on Wednesday night. The appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as new Espanyol coach on Tuesday added extra spice to the game as the city's two teams went head to head for a place in the last four of Spain's knockout competition.

However, Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola saw the game as the chance to give minutes to some of his fringe players such as Alexander Hleb and Bojan Krkic.

The result was a game where flowing football was largely absent and clear-cut scoring chances virtually non-existent.

Barcelona's Sergio Busquets (L) and Carles Puyol (R) fight for the ball against Espanyol's Sanchez (C) during their Spanish King's Cup soccer match at Lluis Companys stadium in Barcelona, January 21, 2009

Barcelona lost central defender Rafael Marquez though injury 10 minutes into a first half where Espanyol had the better chances, although they only drew one save from Barcelona keeper Pinto. Barcelona stepped up the pace in the second period, but although Guardiola introduced regulars Xavi Hernandez and Leo Messi, his side never really looked like scoring.

The 0-0 final score leaves Barcelona as favorites to qualify from next week's return leg in the Camp Nou, but should Espanyol score an away goal, a surprise cannot be ruled out.

Espanyol meanwhile will take heart from a spirited performance that should boost their morale for the battle to avoid relegation to the Second Division.

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