A Pedro Leon goal saw Getafe claim a point at Athletic Bilbao in an encounter which ended with both sides reduced to 10 men.

Athletic took the lead in the 14th minute through Pablo Orbaiz with Manu levelling 18 minutes later.

The hosts were then reduced to 10 men before the break when Orbaiz was sent off for violent conduct but they overcame the disadvantage to go ahead with 11 minutes remaining when Fernando Llorente converted a penalty, the incident also seeing Miguel Torres red carded.

Athletic, chasing Champions League qualification, appeared on the brink of a vital victory before Leon's intervention in a thrilling game at San Mames.

Getafe started well, Manu forcing home keeper Gorka Iraizoz to tip the ball round the post with a right-footed shot from 18 yards.

However, the hosts went ahead, Llorente crossing from the right with Orbaiz drilling the ball home with a right-footed shot.

It was an open game with Javi Martinez sending a long-range shot wide for the hosts while Miku and Daniel Parejo had attempts for Getafe.

The visitors then hauled themselves level in the 32nd minute, Manu going one better than his previous attempt and drilling the ball home.

The 26-year-old was heavily involved and three minutes later tested Iraizoz with a similar shot and Michel's side found themselves at a numerical advantage seven minutes before half time when Orbaiz was dismissed for violent conduct.

However, it did not deter Athletic with Igor Gabilondo and Llorente both trying their luck but the half ended level, with the referee producing three yellow cards as well as sending off Orbaiz in a feisty final nine minutes before the break.

The second half continued to be open, Parejo with a headed effort before Xabier Castillo's free-kick was stopped by Jordi Codina in the Getafe goal.

Despite being down to 10 men, Athletic were clearly not content to defend what they had as Joaquin Caparros made an attacking substitution, sending on Iker Muniain in place of Gabilondo.

Parejo was in the thick of the Getafe attack with Miku and Manu also peppering the Athletic goal as the visitors attempted to take advantage of having the extra man.

Miku then had a shot punched out by the keeper who was called on again soon after to gather Derek Boateng's header.

Athletic offered little in the form of an attacking threat and the match swung Athletic's way with 13 minutes to go.

Torres was booked with 15 minutes remaining and two minutes later was given his marching orders when he received a straight red card for violent conduct for a foul on Martinez in the area, for which the hosts also received a penalty.

Llorente duly obliged, placing the spot-kick into the bottom left of the goal to give Athletic an unlikely lead with 11 minutes remaining.

However, Getafe hit back and Iraizoz had to be alert to punch away Leon's free kick.

And with just four minutes left Getafe snatched a point as Leon slotted home Miku's cross.