Dour Dinamo held by Villareal

Dinamo Kiev and Villarreal struggled to cope with freezing conditions in the Ukrainian capital as a dour encounter ended goalless in tonight’s opening UEFA Cup round of 32 first-leg tie.

Kiev, who had not seen competitive action in two months, produced the game’s only real chance with two minutes to go but midfielder Milos Ninkovic saw his shot beaten away by Villarreal goalkeeper Jose Manuel Reina.

The Spanish side, flying high in the Primera Liga but without in-form but cup-tied striker Diego Forlan, struggled to cope with the frozen pitch and failed to trouble the home side’s defence.