Sevilla title hopes hit new setback with Leganes draw

By Richard Martin

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Sevilla's hopes of winning a first La Liga title since 1948 were dented for the second time in five days as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home against struggling Leganes on Saturday and dropped points for the second game running.

Sevilla are third in the table on 57 points, three behind leaders Barcelona, who visit Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday, and two behind Real Madrid, who host Real Betis also on Sunday and have an extra game in hand on both their title rivals.

Gabriel Pires gave Leganes a shock third minute lead with a clever backheel from close range and the Madrid outfit, who are 16th, missed two more chances to double the lead.

Stevan Jovetic pulled Jorge Sampaoli's Sevilla side level two minutes before halftime after Fernando Vazquez had an effort narrowly ruled offside but Sevilla barely threatened to find a winner in a disappointing display after the break.

They were booed off by supporters after again failing to win following Monday's 1-1 draw at Alaves.

Sevilla visit Premier League champions Leicester City on Tuesday in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie with a slender 2-1 lead.

Later on Saturday fourth-placed Atletico Madrid visit struggling Granada.

(Reporting by Richard Martin; Editing by Ken Ferris)