Betis held to draw by Bilbao

Seville, Spain – Real Betis was only able to pick up a point on Monday at home against struggling Athletic Bilbao as the two sides played to a 1-1 draw.

Betis got off to a flying start as Salva Sevilla was brought down inside the penalty area by Athletic goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz in the opening minute of the game, allowing Ruben Castro to send Iraizoz the wrong way from the spot.

But despite the early goal, Betis failed to build on its advantage and allowed Bilbao to equalize shortly before halftime.

Ander Herrera's through ball released Aritz Aduriz through the middle of the Betis defense, and he finished off the move with a clever chip that eluded goalkeeper Adrian Castillo.

Bilbao entered the match on a three-game losing skid but was the more dangerous side after the break, forcing Castillo into action on a number of occasions, only to be denied by some good play from the keeper.