Real Betis have taken a big step towards qualification for the quarter-finals of the Europa League with a 2-0 away win to local rivals Sevilla.

Leo Baptistao gave the La Liga strugglers the lead on 15 minutes when he stole a yard in front of Federico Fazio to power a header into the net.

The home side should have evened things up five minutes later but Carlos Bacca wasted a good chance after impressive work from Ivan Rakitic.

© AFP

Kevin Gameiro was next to spurn a glorious chance for Sevilla when he managed to head over the bar from yards out.

The home side were made to pay for the miss moments later when Salva Sevilla netted to give Betis a huge advantage ahead of the second leg.