EFL Championship semi-final: Norwich and Leeds draw 0-0 in first leg

Norwich City and Leeds United played out a goalless draw in the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final on Sunday.

Norwich, who failed to score at home for the first time since December, visit Leeds for the second leg on Thursday.

“It was a difficult match. I think the first legs in these games are always a bit wise,” Norwich midfielder Kenny McLean told Sky Sports. “Obviously a bad game for both teams… the second leg, we have a lot to look forward to.”

Leeds appealed for a penalty in the seventh minute when Wilfried Gnonto went down after contact with Borja Sainz on the edge of the penalty area, but the referee disagreed.

Junior Firpo found the net on the stroke of half-time, but Georginio Rutter was ruled offside in the build-up, which ruled out the goal for the away side.

The hosts almost escaped in the 53rd minute when a cross from the left reached Gabriel Sara inside the box, but his left-footed effort went just wide.

Norwich goalkeeper Angus Gunn’s save at the near post denied Crysencio Summerville before the hour mark and Jack Stacey blocked Archie Gray’s left-footed shot from inside the box in the 81st minute to prevent a late Leeds strike.

West Bromwich Albion host Southampton in the first leg of the other semi-final on Sunday.