MADRID: Sevilla was held to a 1-1 home draw against Real Sociedad on Friday, missing another chance to move closer to third-placed Atletico Madrid in the Spanish league.

Pablo Sarabia put Sevilla ahead just before halftime but Carlos Vela equalised for Real Sociedad after a defence blunder in the 61st.

Sevilla wasn't able to regain the lead despite playing with an extra man from the 79th as Real Sociedad midfielder David Zurutuza was sent off after being shown a second yellow card.

"Once again we created a lot of chances but weren't able to capitalise on them," Sarabia said.

Sevilla, which was coming off a loss at Malaga, stayed with 69 points with two games to go, two points behind Atletico, which hosts Eibar on Saturday.

The third-placed team automatically qualifies for the Champions League, while the fourth-placed club has to go through a playoff.

Real Sociedad, which was coming off three straight wins, is seventh with 62 points and remains in contention for a Europa League spot.

"We earned an important point going into these last few matches," Vela said.