Gabriel Mercado has shown his prowess in front of goal for Argentina during World Cup qualification but popped up on Saturday to score a vital equaliser for Sevilla in the derby against Real Betis.

Jorge Sampaoli’s side needed a win to maintain pressure on Real Madrid and Barcelona at the top but were not at their best in the opening 45 minutes and deservedly trailed to Rizi Durmisi’s free kick.

Mercado scored the winner when the two sides met in the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán back in September and forced an equaliser ten minutes after half time.

Vicente Iborra poked in a winner and with the three points, Sevilla jumped to the top of the table at least until Real Madrid and Barcelona played on Sunday.