Europa League

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Europa League | Group Stage

Oct 3, 2013 at 6pm UK

Rijeka HNK Rijeka
1-1
Betis Real Betis

Benko (10')

FT(HT: 1-1)

Cedric (14')

Rijeka hold Real Betis to draw

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 03 October 2013

Real Betis are still looking for their first Europa League win of the season after being held to a 1-1 draw by Rijeka this evening.

Real Betis are still looking for their first win of their Europa League campaign after a 1-1 draw against Croatian side Rijeka this evening.

Leon Benko almost gave the hosts a perfect start to the match when he was played in behind the defence after just two minutes, but his volleyed effort was tipped behind by Stephan Andersen.

They were not to be denied for long, however, as they took the lead in the 10th minute when Benko produced an acrobatic volley from Ivan Tomecak's cross to beat the keeper from close range.

Betis were level within four minutes, though, as Rijeka failed to clear a loose ball, which eventually fell to Cedric Mabwati, who rifled his shot into the top corner from the edge of the box.

Ivan Vargic was called into action twice in quick succession midway through the first half, denying both Cedric and Juanfran within the space of two minutes.

The second half was a much quieter affair, with the hosts having the best sight of goal just three minutes after the restart when Jordi Figueras blocked Benko's shot.

Neither side could find a winner in the closing stages as Rijeka held out for an impressive draw to pick up their first point of the campaign.