A string of fine saves from Hugo Lloris ensured that Tottenham Hotspur came away from their Europa League match against Lazio with a 0-0 draw.
© AP Photos
The visitors thought that they had taken the lead after just five minutes as Gareth Bale raced on to Tom Carroll's through pass before rounding the keeper and sliding the ball into the empty net.
However, the linesman pulled play back for an offside against the Welshman, although replays suggested that it was an incorrect decision.
Cristian Ledesma came within inches of opening the scoring for Lazio in the 18th minute, but his swerving effort was tipped onto the bar by Hugo Lloris.
The French keeper was called upon once more soon after when a quick breakaway allowed Libor Kozak a one-on-one shooting opportunity, but Lloris got a vital touch with his foot to send it wide.
Kozak had another chance to break the deadlock shortly after the half-hour mark, but he just couldn't direct his near post header on target.
© PA Photos
The Czech striker was responsible for another bad miss in the 61st minute after Sandro was caught in possession. Steven Caulker's sliding tackle only succeeded in diverting the ball to Kozak but he scuffed his shot when he should have scored.
Kozak's torrid night in front of goal continued soon after when he did very well to create a good chance for himself, but once again he couldn't beat Lloris in the Spurs goal.
Lloris produced another fine save with just five minutes left on the clock as Michael Ciani rose highest from a corner to power a header goalwards from five yards out, but the Frenchman somehow kept it out.
The Italian side could not create another scoring chance, but the point is enough to seal their progression into the next round of the competition.
Barney Corkhill
