Bitter madness

Real Sociedad picked up a point this afternoon in Vallecas, letting a victory slip through their fingers in the closing stages. Two late goals from the hosts denied the txuri-urdin victory in a wild, chaotic encounter.

Vallecas always produces open, entertaining football, and today was no different. The game began with a bold Real side that took the lead through a fine goal from Oyarzabal. The captain picked up the ball on the edge of the area, shrugged off several opponents and beat Cárdenas with a cross-shot into the far corner. Rayo responded relatively quickly and levelled through Camello.

In the second half, Real Sociedad had several good opportunities to retake the lead, Oyarzabal and Óskarsson both went close, but Cárdenas was outstanding and kept the visitors at bay. He was powerless to stop the second goal, however, which came from a slick combination between Sergio and Soler that Orri finished smartly to put Real Sociedad back in front. Remiro then had to be at his best to repel wave after wave of Rayo pressure and keep his side ahead. Matarazzo's men doubled their advantage from the penalty spot, awarded after a VAR review, with Oyarzabal converting. Vallecas were furious, as the hosts had already put the ball in the net to equalise just before the VAR intervened. Iñigo Pérez's side kept pushing until the very end. Lejeune pulled one back to give them belief, and their faith was ultimately rewarded. With two minutes left of what would become eleven added, Alemao struck to make it 3-3 and seal a dramatic draw.

It should have been three. Instead, one. Five games left to make them count.

Match sheet:

Rayo Vallecano: Cárdena, Ratiu, Mendy (Alemao, min.64), Lejeune, Chavarría, Pathé Ciss, Unai López, Isi (Gumbau, min.68), Carlos Martín (Díaz, min.64), Ilias and Camello (De Frutos, min.64).

Real Sociedad: Remiro, Aramburu, Martín, Ćaleta-Car, Sergio Gómez (Aihen, min.91), Turrientes (Herrera, min.68), Soler, Barrene (Marín, min.56), Take (Sučić, min.56), Oyarzabal (cap) and Óskarsson.

Goals: 0-1: Oyarzabal, min.22. 1-1: Camello, min.30. 1-2: Óskarsson, min.63. 1-3: Oyarzabal (pen), min.76. 2-3: Lejeune, min.84. 3-3: Alemao, min.99

Referee: José Luis Guzmán. Booked Pathé Ciss, Ratiu, Lejeune and Mendy for Rayo Vallecano and Sergio Gómez, Óskarsson, Take and Soler for Real Sociedad. He sent off Isi from the bench, having already been substituted.