Sevilla, Real Sociedad battle to 1-1 draw

Spanish football clubs Sevilla and Real Sociedad had played a 1-1 draw here amid a late-season scramble for the remaining European slots in La Liga.

The result leaves Sevilla in fourth -- the final Champions League spot -- with 69 points from 36 matches, six points ahead of Villarreal, who have played one fewer match, reports Efe.

Real Sociedad, meanwhile, pulls level on points with Athletic Club in the fight for sixth and the accompanying Europa League berth, though the Bilbao squad have a game in hand and a significant advantage in goal difference.

The match at Seville's Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium pitted the team with La Liga's second-best home record against the club with the third-best away form.

With both sides going for the win, the contest got off to a dynamic start on Friday.

The first chance went to the visitors, a weak header by Raul Navas in the 5th minute that was easily handled by home goalkeeper Sergio Rico.

Sevilla seized the initiative after that and Sociedad found themselves penned-up in their own zone.

Wissam Ben Yedder came close to scoring for the hosts as the clock passed 20 minutes and visiting keeper Gero Rulli had to come up with a big stop against Sergio Escudero at the half-hour mark.

The goal that was clearly coming materialised in the 41st minute, scored by Pablo Sarabia with a key assist from Ben Yedder.

Sociedad was more positive in the second half, though they struggled to solve the Sevilla defence while opening themselves to risks on the counter.

But the hosts failed to convert any of those opportunities into a second goal, giving hope to Real Sociedad, who equalised at the hour mark after a Sevilla defensive blunder led to a goal by Carlos Vela.

The visitors were reduced to 10 men when David Zurutuza was sent off for a second yellow card, spurring an offensive surge by Sevilla that ultimately fell short.

--IANS

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