Having sold Fernando Morientes to Liverpool and announced Javier Portillo's return from a loan spell with Italian side Fiorentina, Real gave Michael Owen a chance to prove himself after he had been left on the sidelines for the first two matches under new coach Wanderley Luxemburgo.

But like his teammates, Owen and reserve strike partner Roberto Soldado drew a blank as Real settled for a result which leaves them favourites to reach the last eight after the second leg.