Betis 2 - Espanyol 2

Betis: Contreras; Varela, Juanito, Lembo, Luis Fernández; Marcos Assunçao, Arzu (Ito 81'); Joaquín, Fernando, Denilson (Ismael 63'); Palermo (Alfonso 70'). 4-2-3-1.
Espanyol: Lemmens; Torricelli, Jarque (Raúl Molina 54'), Lopo, Wome; Domoraud, Bastia; Tayfun, Maxi, Bobson (Alex Fernández 50'); Jordi Cruyff (David García 75'). 4-2-3-1.

Team changes: Betis: Luis Fernández, Fernando, Denilson for Mingo, Capi, Ismael / Espanyol: Torricelli, Bobson for Marc Bertrán, Tamudo.

Goals:
1-0. 31. Joaquín. First time volley past Lemmens from long Assunçao centre.
2-0. 40. Palermo. Tap in after Fernando laid across pass from Joaquín.
2-1. 68. Raúl Molina. Controlled ball over top of defence and shot wide of keeper.
2-2. 94. Lopo. Header down into bottom corner from Alex Fernández free kick.

An exciting and at times bad tempered match at Betis, where Espanyol came back from two goals down and levelled the scores at 2-2 in the fourth minute of injury time. Betis had dominated the match throughout, and only some spectacular saves from Lemmens kept the Andalucian side out early on. Then with half an hour gone Joaquín volleyed his side in front from Assunçao's cross. Palermo added a second before the interval after Fernando unselfishly played the ball across, his first goal for his new club, and it looked as if the home side were on for a big score.

Joaquín, Ismael and the returning Denilson all could have extended the lead, and Clemente decided he would have to make changes. The introduction of Alex steadied the ship, but it was the appearance of Raúl Molina for a first game in an Espanyol shirt which changed things, the ex Recreativo striker running on to a long ball to beat Contreras with his side's first shot at goal all match.

Still Betis could have scored again, but with the game already in injury time referee González Vázquez awarded a dubious free kick to the visitors, and Alex curled it across for Lopo to head home the equaliser. Joaquín got himself sent off after picking up a second booking in the ensuing protests, and seconds later the final whistle went. Espanyol went home with a point, all that is except Jordi Cruyff who was kept overnight in hospital under observation after being knocked unconscious after a clash of heads with Varela near the end of the game.