Half-Time Report: Goalless between Newcastle United, Anzhi Makhachkala

Newcastle United and Anzhi Makhachkala have ended the first half goalless in the second leg of their Europa League last-16 clash at St James' Park.

The score remains 0-0 on aggregate following last week's stalemate in Russia.

Samuel Eto'o dragged an early shot wide for the visitors before Lassana Diarra had his strike blocked by Steven Taylor as Anzhi enjoyed much of the possession in the opening stages.

The visitors continued to probe as Taylor snuffed out a chance for Jucilei da Silva, while Odil Ahmedov capitalised on some poor defending from Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa to fire narrowly wide.

A worrying half for Newcastle got worse minutes before the break when Yohan Cabaye was forced off through injury.