THRILLER IN SPAIN

Real Betis rallied from three goals down to salvage a 3-3 draw against 10-man Sevilla in a thrilling La Liga derby on Friday.

Visitors Sevilla swamped the hosts' defence from the outset at Estadio Benito and were ahead in the seventh minute through Ivan Rakitic.The Croatia midfielder doubled Sevilla's advantage 12 minutes later before Spain striker Alvaro Negredo completed a stunning opening for the visitors with a goal on 33 minutes.

Dorlan Pabon gave Betis a lifeline two minutes before the interval when he seized on Gary Medel's stray pass and slotted past Sevilla goalkeeper Beto.

Ruben Castro further cut the lead from the penalty spot on 53 minutes after Sevilla defender Federico Fazio brought down substitute Jorge Molina.

The hosts were given another boost when Medel was shown a straight red card following a scuffle.

And after a series of surges forward Betis found the equaliser in the 89th minute when substitute Emmanuel Igiebor headed Pabon's cross into the net.

The point moves Betis to sixth spot on 48 points, three points shy of a Champions League qualifying place.

Sevilla stay in 10th on 42 points.