Real Betis bagged a vital away goal in the first leg of their fifth-round Copa del Rey clash with Las Palmas, but were held to a 1-1 draw by the Segunda Division club.

Pepe Mel's side edged a goalless first half before taking the lead shortly after the hour mark through striker Ruben Castro.

The La Liga outfit held their advantage for just under 20 minutes, but were denied a first-leg victory by a late strike from Nigerian youngster Macauley Chrisantus.

Betis will host Las Palmas in the second leg on January 10.