In a thrilling climax, Alemao’s header in the ninth minute of stoppage time salvaged a well-deserved point for Rayo Vallecano in an exhilarating 3-3 LaLiga stalemate at Estadio de Vallecas. This result extends the home side’s unbeaten league streak at their ground to seven matches (W4, D3).
Both teams have had their cup commitments overshadowing their league ambitions this season, with the UEFA Conference League semi-finalists facing off against the recently crowned Copa del Rey champions.
La Real’s latest trophy has already secured them a place in the Europa League for next season. However, Pellegrino Matarazzo’s team most certainly had the drive to perform following a bright start to the match.
In the opening moments, Ander Barrenetxea created a chance for himself, skillfully weaving through the Rayo defence before having his shot saved by Dani Cardenas.
Additional chances arose for Duje Caleta-Car and Takefuso Kubo during a spirited opening 15 minutes.
The visitors struck first, with a standout moment from Mikel Oyarzabal, who collected Barrenetxea’s pass and skilfully slid past several Vallecano defenders before firing a precise shot into the bottom corner.
Rayo appeared to reply instantly when Carlos Martin scored from close range, but a handball by Andrei Ratiu in the build-up resulted in the goal being disallowed, relieving the visitors of a potential embarrassment.
They eventually equalised in spectacular fashion, as Sergio Camello displayed exquisite close control to weave through the Sociedad defence and drill a left-foot finish past Alex Remiro.
Camello later missed a fantastic chance to put Rayo in front shortly after the start of the second half, although La Real looked more likely to extend their lead as the half progressed.
Cardenas was forced into action on two occasions to thwart Oyarzabal and Orri Oskarsson, before the latter scored to regain the lead for La Real.
Sergio Gomez set up the Iceland international, who took a couple of touches inside the area before smoothly rounding Cardenas and scoring from an expertly crafted Sociedad counterattack.
Rayo seemed poised to level once more when Pedro Diaz executed a delicate finish past Remiro, only for the goal to be disallowed after a protracted VAR review which ruled that Ratiu had fouled Pablo Marin in the lead-up to the goal.
Oyarzabal stepped up to the resulting penalty, confidently blasting the ball into the top of the net amidst the furious reaction from the Los Franjirrojos supporters.
The match took a dramatic turn as Florian Lejeune found the net from close range to reduce the deficit, before Alemao’s late header sealed a deserved point for the hosts.
This result means that Sociedad remains without a win in their last six league encounters, and they have only recorded one victory in their last five top-flight outings. Meanwhile, Iñigo Perez’s side will feel somewhat justified after a late surge, pushing their margin above the relegation zone to five points.
Check out the match statistics here.
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