Real Betis remain stranded at the foot of La Liga following this evening's 1-0 loss at home to Almeria.
Javier Matilla failed to convert Alvaro Vadillo's right-wing cross in the fourth minute and the midfielder was made to pay for his miss as the visitors took the lead moments later.
Ramon Azeez lined up a speculative effort 25 yards from goal, but his shot took a wicked deflection off Paulao and nestled in the bottom corner.
Aleix Vidal should have made it 2-0 10 minutes later, but the Spaniard took too long and Guillermo Sara smothered his shot.
Juan Carlos almost got the hosts back on level terms in first-half stoppage time, but his strike rattled the crossbar and bounced to safety.
The lively Vadillo went close once more after the break and Jorge Molina fired straight at Esteban when well placed as Betis looked likely to level.
Esteban continued to deny the hosts and did so superbly in the 64th minutes when it looked certain that Molina was going to slot the ball home.
With Betis chasing the game, Almeria had chances to finish off the home side, but Oscar Gonzalez and Suso squandered late chances to set up a tense finale.
Kristian Johnson
