Osasuna edged a point closer to Primera Division survival following a hard-fought goalless draw at home to Sevilla.

The home side dominated much of the first half, but were unable to find a way through against a below-par Sevilla outfit.

But chances were few and far between in a tense second period and both sides looked happy to settle for a point as the match wore on.

Sevilla were reduced to 10 men eight minutes from time when Ndri Romaric was sent off, but Osasuna were unable to capitalise and finished the match with a man less themselves after Sergio Fernandez saw red in added time.

Osasuna had looked to be cruising to safety just a few weeks ago, but the Pamplona-based side had picked up only one point from their last four matches and began the day just two clear of the drop zone.

And with matches against top three sides Sevilla, Barcelona and Real Madrid to end the season with, the northerners face an uphill task to avoid relegation.

They will have seen this game as their most likely source of points and piled on the pressure following a shaky start.

Walter Pandiani was a real handful for the Sevilla defence and threatened several times as Osasuna dominated.

The Uruguay striker failed to connect with a volley just short of the half-hour mark, blasted over the bar with a fierce effort a minute later and then saw a rasping drive from outside the box saved at the second attempt by Sevilla goalkeeper Andres Palop.

But Miguel Flano came closest to breaking the deadlock, when he crashed a thunderous angled effort against the crossbar after half an hour.

Osasuna began brightly after the break and came close four minutes into the second period, when Javad Nekounam's free-kick was brilliantly pushed wide by Palop.

Sevilla tightened up and restricted the hosts to tame efforts from long-range after that.

The visitors were still not firing as an attacking threat, though.

They improved as the game wore on and Luis Fabiano saw his shot deflected behind for a corner after dribbling his way through the Osasuna defence with 11 minutes left.

The Brazilian striker then fired into the side netting after good work from Diego Capel.

But Sevilla's hopes of a late win took a blow with eight minutes left, when Romaric picked up a second yellow card and was forced to depart the action.

Osasuna were unable to take advantage, however, and Sevilla came closer late on when Jesus Navas blasted into the side netting from distance.

The home side also finished with 10 men after Sergio was shown a straight red for a crude challenge on Capel deep into added time.

Luis Fabiano then missed a great chance to seal the points, but shot just wide from 12 yards out.

That would have been harsh on Osasuna, though.

The northerners move provisionally three points clear of the drop zone, but will almost certainly need something from the games against Barcelona and Real Madrid to survive.

Sevilla, meanwhile, remain in third place and will hope Valencia (fourth) and Atletico Madrid (fifth) cancel each other out tomorrow.