Barcelona have been held to a goalless draw in the first leg of their round-of-32 Copa del Rey clash against Villanovense.
Luis Enrique opted to go into the game without many of his key players, and that buoyed the home side as they threatened in the early stages of the match when Pablo Moraga was allowed to raid forward into the final third, but he sent his strike wide of the post.
Villanovense almost found a way through for the opening goal when Elias weaved his way past a couple of challenges, but his low strike was saved by Jordi Masip.
Enrique's side rallied and almost found the net as Marc Bartra rose highest in the box to head Douglas's corner at goal, but he could not guide his header into the net as he missed the target.
The hosts pressed again just before the break when Javi Sanchez latched on to a cross at the near post, but he directed his strike over the bar.
In the second half, Barcelona upped the ante in the opening minutes and Sandro Ramirez came close to breaking the deadlock, only to see his powerful strike sail narrowly over.
Ramirez threatened again as he was allowed to shoot from the edge of the box, but Jose Fuentes made the stop to keep the scores level.
Villanovense had a golden chance to take the lead when they hit the visitors on the counter and the ball was worked to Angel Pajuelo, but with only Masip to beat he slipped at the vital moment.
Bartra came within inches of punishing Pajuelo for his mistake, but Fuentes made a fine save to tip the ball over the bar from his headed effort as the match ended in a stalemate.
The second leg takes place on December 2 at Camp Nou.
Simon Sinclair
