Sevilla stage comeback in derby for draw that hinders Betiss top four push

Sevilla fought back from two goals behind to secure an exciting 2-2 draw against Real Betis in Sundays La Liga derby.

Isaac Romero hammered in a shot from beyond the penalty area in the 85th minute to earn his team a share of the spoils at Betiss standin venue La Cartuja.

This result positions Manuel Pellegrinis Betis in fifth place, trailing Atletico Madrid and Villarreal by eight points in third and fourth spots, which dents their chances of reaching the Champions League.

Ex Manchester United winger Antony put the home side in front in the 16th minute via a stunning overhead kick after the ball dropped kindly inside the area.

Midfielder Alvaro Fidalgo added the second just before the break, slotting it away following a pass from Ez Abde, who had also contributed to the first goal.

Experienced Chilean striker Alexis Sanchez reduced the deficit for 11th placed Sevilla shortly after the hour with a well timed header from an angle.

This sparked a tense finish, and Romero delivered the equaliser Sevilla desperately needed, rifling the ball in from the edge of the box.

Abde nearly restored Betiss lead but hit the upright with three minutes remaining, while Akor Adams saw his effort blocked on the goal line at the opposite end.

In an earlier fixture, Elche held Espanyol to a 2-2 stalemate in a game marred by claims of racist abuse.

Espanyols Moroccan defender Omar El Hilali alleged that Elche striker Rafa Mir insulted him by saying he arrived on a small boat, as noted in the referees report.

Largie Ramazani netted from the penalty spot to give Valencia a 1-0 victory over Osasuna, lifting them to 14th and five points clear of the drop zone.