Newcastle United earned a hard-fought 0-0 draw away to Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 match played Thursday in Moscow, dpa reported.
Newcastle's best opportunity of the game fell to Hatem Ben Arfa after 62 minutes but the French midfielder's cheeky chip was easily saved by Anzhi goalkeeper Vladimir Gabulov.
Anzhi, meanwhile, rarely threatened although Samuel Eto'o did test Newcastle goalkeeper Rob Elliot with a long-range strike in the first half while Elliot also turned a fierce Eto'o strike around the post in the second period.
The Europa League continues later Thursday with seven other round of 16 ties.