Gent have been unable to break down Valencia's defence before half time in their Champions League Group H clash, despite having several chances to take the lead.

The Belgians, who could go out of the tournament if they lose and Zenit St Petersburg beat Lyon in the group's other fixture, started well as Laurent Depoitre found himself in space to shoot, but was guilty of leaning back as his effort flew over the bar.

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Gent's strong start continued as Thomas Foket produced a low cross into the area, but Ken Saief was unable to test Jaume Domenech with his attempt.

Los Che's third-choice keeper was called into action again, however, as he got his fingertips to Sven Kums's controlled volley.

The hosts threatened again on 18 minutes when Danijel Milicevic's header finally beat Domenech but rebounded back off the post before Valencia managed to clear away from danger.

Midway through the half, Brecht Dejaegere arguably missed Gent's best chance of the opening period when he skied a shot over the bar from six yards out, after another menacing cross from Foket.

Kums then steered another volley off-target as Valencia escaped the first period with their clean sheet still intact.