Sevilla hold Betis in tense derby
MADRID, Spain (Reuters) -- Ten-man Sevilla came from a goal down to claim a 1-1 draw at city rivals Real Betis in a typically intense derby on Saturday.
Betis got off to a dream start when Alfonso put them ahead with a penalty in the second minute but Sevilla equalized with a neat strike from defender Javi Navarro and held on for a point despite having forward Antonito sent off late in the first half.
The result means Betis, who have not beaten their neighbors in the last seven years, have moved up one place to sixth in the table.
Battling Sevilla are just two points behind in ninth.
Earlier on Saturday, Real Zaragoza eased their relegation worries with a 2-1 win at 10-man Valladolid to leapfrog their opponents and move three points clear of the drop zone.
The Seville derby started with a bang as Betis were awarded a penalty after less than a minute when defender Daniel Alves was penalised for handball as he tried to clear a corner.
Former Barcelona striker Alfonso sent Sevilla goalkeeper Esteban the wrong way with his spot kick to put his side ahead while many fans were still taking their seats.
Esteban then stopped them falling further behind when he pulled off a near-miraculous double save midway through the half to scramble Benjamin's powerful dipping free kick off the line.
Four minutes later his team mates repaid him for his efforts by grabbing the equalizer, defender Javi Navarro coolly dinking over Toni Prats after the Betis keeper had blocked a close-range shot from Antonito.
Sevilla were dealt another blow when Antonito was sent off after picking up a what appeared to be a harsh second booking eight minutes before the break.
Despite their numerical disadvantage it was Sevilla who came closest to grabbing a winner in the second half, Julio Baptista heading over the bar after a swift counter-attack and fellow striker Silva scuffing wide soon after.
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