Xerez moved off the foot of the La Liga table with the most uninspiring of goalless draws at Real Valladolid on Sunday.

The visitors, playing in the top flight for the first time in their 62-year history, had netted just three times in nine games in the league coming into this game and there was little sign of that statistic improving today.

Indeed, Xerez have now racked up more red cards than goals, with David Prieto's dismissal in injury time for a second booking their fourth of the campaign.

Their sixth point did at least lift them back above Malaga and into 19th place, although Valladolid will consider themselves unlucky not to have found a winner, having been unable to make a steady flow of corners throughout the game count.

Xerez coach Jose Angel Ziganda called on his side to be brave and play without fear ahead of the contest, and they responded with only their second clean sheet of the term.

It is at the other end of the pitch that their troubles lie, though, as this was the eighth time in 10 games they have failed to find the net - and the fifth straight game on the road.

Despite their problems up front, Xerez are still only a point from safety, and just four behind their opponents, whose own start to the season has scarcely been much better.

And the visitors started with promise as Fabian Orellana's free-kick was cut out by goalkeeper Justo Villar in the opening seconds.

Valladolid won their first corner in the third minute before a free-kick of their own, taken by Nauzet Aleman, hit the wall.

The hosts were dealt a blow shortly before the half hour mark when Borja Fernandez was forced off through injury, Pele coming on in his place.

Xerex had another sight of goal before the interval, Perez Francis' effort from 20 yards out on the right channel going wide of the left post.

Valladolid dominated the second half, however, albeit without posing a genuine goal threat.

Nivaldo Batista met Nauzet's outswinging corner from the right, but could only direct his header wide before Pele fired a 25-yard free-kick over the bar two minutes later.

The substitute went closer in the 65th minute, forcing Renan Brito in the Xerex goal into a save with a right-footed shot.

Nauzet, who had looked the most likely source of inspiration in a match desperately devoid of creativity, then fired over the top with five minutes to go.

Pedro Lopez Munoz also failed to test Brito with another effort before Prieto was given his marching orders in time added on.

The defender was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Villar following a Xerex corner, but there was no time for Valladolid to make the extra man count.