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Sevilla vs Athletic Bilbao - 28.02.2010

Bilbao boost Euro hopes

Athletic Bilbao secured a valuable point at 10-man Sevilla to boost their hopes of a return to European competition.

The Basque outfit suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat at Anderlecht on Thursday night, but Joaquin Caparros' side produced a positive reaction in this match to move a point closer to a return to European competition thanks to a spirited performance at the Sanchez Pizjuan.

And they were definitely aided by Ndri Romaric's 50th-minute sending-off.

Athletic were also boosted before kick-off by the news that sixth-placed Deportivo La Coruna had lost at Villarreal.

That result meant a win in Seville would have seen them return to the top six.

Sevilla have been on good form of late, though, and began the day in fourth place.

The Andalusians could have taken the lead after just four minutes, when Lautaro Acosta only had Gorka Iraizoz to beat, but the midfielder dawdled and was eventually dispossessed by the Athletic defence.

Athletic failed to take advantage of a similar situation 10 minutes later, when Oscar De Marcos raced onto Fernando Llorente's flick-on, but Andres Palop was alert and came out quickly to claim the ball before the Basque midfielder could strike.

Gorka then saved well from Diego Perotti as Sevilla threatened at the other end.

Both sides had further chances before the break.

Javi Martinez fired just wide for Athletic six minutes before the interval, while Jesus Navas was fractionally off target moments later with a fierce effort.

After the break, Palop made a great save to deny Ander Iturraspe as Athletic began the second half with intent.

The Basques looked certain to score a minute later, when Iturraspe robbed Ndri Romaric and raced towards goal.

Romaric, who was the last man, brought down the Athletic midfielder on the edge of the box and was shown the red card.

And the Andalusians also had to deal with a dangerous free-kick from just outside the area.

From the set piece, they had Palop to thank once more as the former Valencia man produced two fine saves to deny Athletic the lead.

Fernando Llorente also tested Palop with a snapshot later on in the half and the Spain striker should have sealed all three points for the Basques after that, but saw his effort sail just over the crossbar from 12 yards out.

Sevilla were on the ropes now and must have been happy to see that effort go over.

Athletic seemed happy to settle for a point as well, however, and neither side looked likely to win all three in the closing stages.

It ended goalless and the Basques will be content with that, especially following their European failure and Deportivo's defeat at Villarreal.

And Sevilla will not be too disheartened, either, after holding on for 40 minutes with 10 men.

Manolo Jimenez's men, with 43 points, stay in fourth, three clear of fifth-placed Mallorca.

Athletic, with 37 points, remain in seventh, but are now just one behind sixth-place Depor.

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