Real Betis and Sevilla draw 1

MADRID (AP) — Real Betis was frustrated in its pursuit of a European place in the Spanish league after a 1-1 draw at home against Sevilla in the Seville derby on Sunday.

Betis went ahead with a goal by Isco in the 38th minute but Kike Salas equalized for the visitors in the 56th, leaving Betis two points from sixth-place Real Sociedad in the final Europa Conference League spot.

Fifth-place Athletic Bilbao was nine points ahead of Betis in the final Europa League qualification place.

Sevilla stayed in 13th but opened a 12-point gap to the relegation zone with five rounds to go.

Betis was awarded a penalty kick shortly after Sevilla equalized, but the call was reversed with the help of video review.

Isco’s penalty kick came after a controversial handball.

Betis was coming off two straight victories — against Celta Vigo and at Valencia — after a run of four straight losses. Sevilla had won three in a row.