Betis 1 - Athletic Bilbao 1

Betis: Doblas; Melli, Rivas, Juanito, Nano; Miguel Angel, Marcos Assunçao (Arzu 84'); Joaquín, Capi (Rivera 60'), Edu; Robert (Dani 77'). 4-2-3-1.
Athletic: Lafuente; Lacruz, Ustariz, Luis Prieto, Amorebieta (Aduriz 46'); Iraola, Orbaiz, Murillo, Casas; Yeste; Urzaiz (Julen Guerrero 75'). 4-4-1-1.

Team changes: Betis: Doblas, Nano, Miguel Angel, Marcos Assunçao, Capi for Contreras, Luis Fernández, Arzu, Rivera, Varela / Athletic: Amorebieta for Llorente.

Goals:
1-0. 25. Robert. Headed ball down over line on far post from Edu's lofted cross.
1-1. 65. Lacruz. Following up after Urzaiz header beaten out by Doblas.

Betis and Athletic Bilbao inched away from the relegation zone after a 1-1 draw in the Ruiz de Lopera stadium.

Local keeper Doblas did well to stop an Urzaiz header and a long shot from Orbaiz in the opening minutes, and midway through the first half the Andalusians went ahead when Robert headed the ball down in to the net from a short lob by Edu, the referee correctly turning down claims that Ustaritz had cleared the ball before it crossed the line.

Joaquín had a penalty appeal turned down soon afterwards, but Doblas was in action again before the break to tip a Yeste corner over the bar.

The Basque side came forward after the restart, Melli clearing an Urzaiz off the line before Lacruz equalised from close range after Doblas could only push out an Urzaiz header following a corner. The result leaves the hosts still two points ahead of their opponents.