SEVILLE, Spain -- Athletic Bilbao drew 1-1 at Real Betis Monday to end a three-game losing streak in the Spanish league.
Betis striker Ruben Castro opened the scoring in the second minute from the penalty spot after goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz rashly fouled Salva Sevilla disputing a ball on the edge of the area.
Betis continued to dominate the opening stages of the match at Benito Villamarin stadium until Aritz Aduriz deftly scooped Ander Herrera's through pass over goalkeeper Adrian San Miguel to level in the 41st.
Bilbao created more chances the rest of the way, with Adrian making several saves to secure a point for the hosts.
"We found ourselves a goal behind practically from the start, and that changed our plans," Aduriz said. "But we knew how to react and managed to pull even. I think we did enough to get the win, but the ball didn't want to go in."
Aduriz and Castro have both scored 12 goals through 20 rounds this season, placing them joint fourth on the league's leading scorers list.
Betis strengthened its hold on fourth place and Spain's last Champions League spot. Bilbao moved up into 15th, four points from the relegation zone.
"The team showed that we are upset with our current situation and that we are trying as hard as we can to change it, but we just couldn't get the win," Aduriz said.
