Rayo Vallecano were forced to settle for a point against Valencia at the Estadio de Vallecas, as Umar Sadiq’s second-half strike salvaged a 1-1 draw for the visitors after César Tárrega’s first-half own goal had given the hosts the lead.
Both sides created chances in an open contest, but neither could find a winner despite late flurries in attack.
As it happened
Rayo Vallecano struck first just before the break when Tárrega inadvertently turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Álvaro García’s cross. It was a deserved lead for the hosts, who had enjoyed the better of the opening 45 minutes.
Valencia, however, responded strongly after the interval. Hugo Duro and Rafa Mir both missed chances before Jesús Vázquez’s low cross found Umar Sadiq, who made no mistake from close range to level the scores in the 75th minute.
Embed from Getty ImagesBoth sides pushed for a winner in the closing stages. Adrián Embarba and Pedro Díaz came close for Rayo, while Rafa Mir tested Augusto Batalla at the other end. In stoppage time, Álvaro García fired narrowly wide, but neither team could find a decisive moment.
Rayo Vallecano have collected 41 points from 32 games and still harbour hopes of qualifying for next season’s Europa League or Conference League. Valencia, meanwhile, have played a game more and are nine points above the relegation zone, meaning they look relatively safe as La Liga enters its final stretch.
The lineups
RAY: Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Ciss, Chavarría; Valentín, Gumbau; de Frutos, Díaz, García; Randy Nteka.
VAL: Mamardashvili; Foulquier, Tárrega, Mosquera, Gayà; Rioja, Guerra, Barrenechea, André Almeida; López, Duro.