New Delhi, Aug 2 - India were held 1-1 by local Barcelona football club Esportiu Europa in their third practice match in Spain.

Skipper Bhaichung Bhutia gave India the lead in the 32nd minute but a rough tackle by Surkumar Singh helped Europa restore parity with Alberto Padilla converting a penalty in the 72nd minute at the Mini Eastadi in Barcelona, Saturday evening.

India made a shaky start after Europa launched a series of attack on their defence but heroics of goalkeeper Subrata Paul helped the visitors to keep a clean slate in the first half.

Bhutia started the proceedings upfront with young striker Sushil Kumar. India's first clear chance came in the eighth minute but Shushil shot it wide and wasted a beautiful pass by his captain.

Bhutia did his best to create opportunties but his team mates couldn't connect to any of them. Bhutia finally found the target in the 32nd minuite when a long ball found him clear of the Europa defence and he smartly put it past the goalkeeper to give India the lead.