Bilbao held, Sevilla win at Racing
MADRID, Spain (Reuters) -- Athletic Bilbao surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at Real Zaragoza on Thursday, missing their chance to move up to fifth place in the Primera Liga.
In the day's other game, Sevilla claimed their first points in three outings and their first win away of the season when a classy double from Brazilian striker Julio Baptista helped them to a resounding 4-0 victory at Racing Santander.
Champions Real Madrid went top of the Liga on Wednesday with a 2-0 win over neighbors Atletico.
Real lead the table on 30 points from 14 games, while Valencia, who drew 0-0 at Real Sociedad on Tuesday, follow on 28 and Deportivo Coruna have 27.
Bilbao made the early running against Zaragoza on Thursday and deservedly took the lead on 12 minutes when Francisco Yeste fired a 25-meter free kick over the defensive wall and into the top corner.
Just over 10 minutes later the Basque side extended their lead when Tiko collected the ball just outside the area, swerved to the right and then stabbed home inside the left-hand post.
But Zaragoza fought back strongly and, two minutes later, a defensive mix-up on the edge of the Bilbao area allowed David Villa to pounce on a loose ball. He turned sharply and drilled home with his right.
The home side had two good chances to equalize before the break, but they finally pulled level two minutes into the second half when Villa headed in at the near post after a magnificent cross from Argentine winger Luciano Galletti.
• Atletico Madrid striker Demis Nikolaidis will be out of action for between four and six weeks after making the decision to undergo surgery on a back problem.
The 30-year-old Greek international played in Atletico's 2-0 defeat against city rivals Real Madrid on Wednesday but has been complaining of back pain in recent weeks.
The club said he would have the operation in Athens on either Friday or Saturday.
