Ivan Rakitic rescues El Gran Derbi draw against Real Betis

Originally posted on Football Espana | By Feargal Brennan | Last updated 11/12/23

Sevilla snatched a late draw in their crunch El Gran Derbi clash with Real Betis.

Both sides head off into the November international break with visitors Real Betis in sixth place and Sevilla’s run of five successive league draws keeping them in 14th.

Clashes between these two sides are the showpiece battle in Andalucian top flight action and Real Betis carried the majority of the attacking threat either side of the break.

However, on the back of a host of missed chances, and a goal ruled out for offside by VAR, they had to wait until the 71st minute to break the deadlock, as Ayoze Perez poked home from close range.

There's the opener!

Ayoze Pérez reacts quickest and Real Betis lead in El Gran Derbi pic.twitter.com/Yo7YLwBxnH

— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) November 12, 2023

That looked set to ease the away side on to a key victory, against a lacklustre showing from Sevilla, but home captain Ivan Rakitic produced a moment of magic from the edge of the box to steal a draw late on.