Paris, Oct 24: Everton retained top spot in Group F on Thursday as they battled to a 0-0 draw at Lille in Europa League action following a day of trouble and fighting in the city centre between fans and police ahead of the tie.
The Merseysiders, who last won their only continental trophy in 1985 when they lifted the now defunct Cup Winners' Cup, enjoyed the lion's share of possession but lacked a cutting edge up front as Nigerian number one Vincent Enyeama kept the visitors at bay.
The stalemate lifts Roberto Martinez's team up to five points from three matches with Germany's Wolfsburg alone in second on four after they defeated Krasnodar 4-2 in Russia.
"I knew it would be a tough game against a good Lille side but I was a bit disappointed with the pitch," said Martinez.     AFP