Celta Vigo 1 - 1 Real Betis: Pablo Hernandez rescues a point for Celta Vigo against Real Betis

Pablo Hernandez boosted Celta Vigo's European ambitions with a late equaliser in their 1-1 home draw against Real Betis.

Hernandez had not scored in the Primera Division since the end of October, his only previous league goal coming in a 3-2 win at Real Sociedad, but latched on to Jonny's pass 12 minutes from time to extend fifth-placed Celta's unbeaten run to five games.

Betis, who started the day eight places and 15 points worse off than the hosts, had lost three successive games before beating lowly Levante last weekend.

But they grabbed a 24th-minute lead after escaping early on when Celta striker John Guidetti struck a post from close range.

Betis midfielder Ruben Castro had tried his luck from distance to force Ruben Blanco into action

But it was still a surprise when Betis took the lead as they had not really troubled the Celta goal until that point.

Martin Montoya's free-kick found its way past a static home defence to Alfred N'Diaye, who was standing a few yards from goal. The Senegalese defensive midfielder made no mistake to claim his second goal of the season.

Guidetti seemed Celta's best chance of getting back on terms, twice having shots saved by Antonio Adan before the break.

The goalkeeper came to Betis' rescue again after the interval when he denied Iago Aspas.

But, in truth, Celta created little in the second period until Hernandez struck to inch the Galicians towards a place in next season's Europa League.