Barcelona, Feb 17, (V7N) – Athletic Bilbao missed a golden opportunity to close the gap on La Liga's top two as they were held to a 1-1 draw at relegation-threatened Espanyol on Sunday, in a match marred by racist abuse towards forward Maroan Sannadi.

The game was halted in the 16th minute when referee Cuadra Fernandez activated the league’s anti-racism protocol after Bilbao’s Inaki Williams reported insults aimed at his teammate Sannadi. The match was interrupted for three minutes, with an announcement warning fans that further incidents would lead to another stoppage.

"This type of thing shouldn't happen. This is not the first time this has happened here. The referee acted very well. We must punish the culprits," said Williams.

When play resumed, Espanyol took the lead in the 62nd minute through Roberto Fernandez, but Oihan Sancet, fresh off a hat-trick against Girona last weekend, equalized in the 77th minute.

The draw leaves Bilbao in fourth place, three points behind third-placed Barcelona, who host Rayo Vallecano on Monday, and six points adrift of leaders Real Madrid. Espanyol, meanwhile, climbed out of the relegation zone, moving to 15th place with 24 points, just one above 18th-placed Valencia.

Real Betis 3-0 Real Sociedad

Antony (on loan from Manchester United) scored for Betis.

Marc Roca added two second-half goals.

Sociedad ended the match with nine men after Igor Zubeldia and Sheraldo Becker were sent off.

Sevilla 4-0 Valladolid

Juanlu Sanchez netted twice.

Isaac Romero and Belgium’s Dodi Lukebakio also got on the scoresheet.

Valladolid remain at the bottom of the table.

Upcoming Matches

Barcelona will look to tighten their grip on third place when they face Rayo Vallecano on Monday.