Real Betis ended their six-game losing streak with a creditable draw at home to big-spending Malaga.
Betis gave as good as they got in a match that only showed signs of life in the second half and, while the hosts went goalless for a sixth game in seven, they could take solace in ending their losing slump.
Pepe Mel's side had their goalkeeper Casto the thank for the point though as he expertly kept out the best chance of the game on 55 minutes when Salomon Rondon headed on target from close range.
Defeat though would have been harsh on Betis as they also had their chances, most notably striker Alejandro Pozuelo, but worryingly again failed to find the net.
Neither side created much in a forgettable opening period to undermine the vast expense Malaga, who failed to score for the fourth consecutive away game, have spent on their squad.
The visitors were mainly reduced to speculative long-range efforts after surviving an early scare when Ruben Castro turned a Pozuelo cross over from six yards.
Malaga replied with Jeremy Toulalan having a long-range effort blocked while Spain international Santi Cazorla shot wide from outside the area.
The second half was immediately more notable as Malaga needed some last-ditch defending to stay level.
Castro pulled the ball back for Pozuelo but just as he was set to pull the trigger Martin Demichelis made a timely tackle.
Malaga's best chance of the game then arrived when Rondon barged his way onto Duda's dangerous cross but his firm header was well kept out by Casto low to his left.
Malaga then turned up the pressure with Duda curling an effort just wide while Joaquin was eventually closed out after he took too long to shoot after a jinking run into the area.
Betis withstood the pressure and Pozuelo shot just wide after Demichelis made another timely challenge to deny Jose Canas.
Malaga skipper Jesus Gamez then volleyed into the side-netting at the other end as the game remained goalless.
