Filed under: Birmingham, Championship, Europa League (UEFA), Football, Match Reports
Birmingham boosted their hopes of reaching the Europa League group stages after holding CD Nacional to a goalless draw in the first leg of their play-off tie at the Estadio Da Madeira.But Blues, making their first appearance in continental competition for 50 years, could have easily been returning home with an advantage heading into next Thursday's second leg at St Andrew's after hitting the post three times.
Steven Caldwell was the first to be denied by the post from a corner in the 24th minute, while teenage forward Chris Wood, who is on loan from West Brom, struck the woodwork either side of half-time.
City defender Scott Dann, who has been linked with Arsenal and Liverpool, was left out of the 18-man matchday squad entirely, fuelling speculation he could soon be the latest player manager Chris Hughton bids farewell to.
THE HIGHLIGHTS:
24 mins - Caldwell comes close to handing Blues the lead when he heads David Murphy's corner against the post.
31 mins - Dejan Skolnik's whipped corner falls kindly to Luis Alberto, but his effort from deep inside the penalty area flashes past the right post.
43 mins - Wood rattles the crossbar after Elisson makes a hash of another dangerous corner from Jean Beausejour.
48 mins - Wood is denied for a second time when his header from Chris Burke's cross cannons back off the post.
58 mins - Miguel Nuno Pinto's outswinging corner is headed narrowly past the right post by Jose Edgar Costa.
60 mins - Joao Aurelio is lucky to escape with a yellow card when he hauls Wood down with the striker through on goal.
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