Soccer-Pezzella stunner helps Betis hold Girona to a draw

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Europa League - Group C - Real Betis v Rangers - Estadio Benito Villamarin, Seville, Spain - December 14, 2023 Rangers' Sam Lammers in action with Real Betis' German Pezzella REUTERS/Marcelo Del Pozo/File Photo

(Reuters) - Argentina centreback German Pezzella's strike from a rebound late in the second half helped Real Betis hold surprise LaLiga leaders Girona to a 1-1 draw on Thursday.

The surprise pack of the Spanish season extended their lead on top of the LaLiga standings to 45 points but lost a golden opportunity to secure going into winter break alone in top spot.