Monterrey (Mexico), July 30 (IANS): Argentine club River Plate held Mexican side Tigres UANL to a 0-0 draw in a dour first leg final of South America's Copa Libertadores premier football competition.

Egidio Arevalo on Wednesday had the best of the first-half chances for the hosts when his deflected shot from distance cannoned off the crossbar, reports Xinhua.

River Plate almost broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time when Lucas Alario headed just wide.

The visitors looked the more likely to score in the second half but were unable to find a way past the Tigres defence.

River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo will watch Wednesday's return leg in Buenos Aires from the stands after being sent off for dissent late in the match.

Tigres are aiming to become the first Liga MX club to win Latin America's premier club trophy.

River Plate are bidding for their first Libertadores title since defeating Colombia's America de Cali to triumph in the 1996 edition.