Physicality was the overriding theme of the opening half-hour in Seville, with plenty of robust tackles across the arena in lieu of slick attacking moves.
Amidst the feral combat, Aitor Ruibal saw his cross fly narrowly past the top corner of Alex Remiro’s goal in the dying minutes of the half, but the visitors’ blushes were spared.
Just minutes later, Betis looked set to snatch the lead with a superb team move, though Sergio Canales sent his effort from close range just wide of the post as the Estadio Benito Villamarin drew its breath.
The interval then came and went, but it was much of the same after the restart, as both teams probed each other’s defence with little success.
Canales again had a huge opportunity to snatch the initiative, but after being picked out by Miranda, the former Sociedad man frustratingly lifted his shot just over the bar.
Games at the Estadio Benito Villamarin can be known for their late fireworks, but it was not to be this time, as the slow-paced game fizzled out in the sticky Seville heat.
The hosts will have been disappointed to not take advantage of their opportunity to take points off Sociedad, who still hold the coveted fourth and final Champions League qualification berth.
However, they can take some solace from the draw, as their unbeaten streak against the Basque club has now grown to five consecutive games.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Juan Miranda (Real Betis)
