Newcastle United have played out a goalless draw with Metalist Kharkiv at St James' Park in tonight's Europa League last-32 first-leg tie.
Despite having two goals ruled out for offside, the Magpies were unable to find the net against the impressive Ukrainian outfit.
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Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul did well to deny Jonathan Cristaldo from the angle during the opening stages before Papiss Cisse had a goal controversially chalked off for the hosts.
Moussa Sissoko appeared to be onside when he squared the ball to the striker, but the linesman flagged the midfielder for being in an offside position.
Krul was back in action midway through the half to keep out Cleiton Xavier's header, while Marlos, who was Metalist's main inspiration in attack, slammed his effort wide.
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Fininho headed a Marlos corner inches wide soon after the restart as Metalist continued to probe.
Meanwhile, Newcastle were forced to try their luck from distance as Jonas Gutierrez hit his long-range strike wide on the hour.
The hosts had a glorious chance to take the lead with 20 minutes left on the clock, but Cisse's first-time effort was beaten away by Oleksandr Goryainov.
Newcastle were soon in the ascendancy and Cisse had a second goal ruled out for offside in the 73rd minute following Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa's cross.
Jack Prescott
