Rayo Vallecano mounted a dramatic late comeback to secure a 3-3 draw against Real Sociedad in a Spanish league match on Sunday, a game overshadowed by a controversial VAR decision that erased a Rayo goal and awarded a penalty to the visitors instead.
VAR Decision Sparks Debate
In the 69th minute at Vallecas Stadium, Rayo Vallecano thought they had equalized through Pedro Diaz, making it 2-2. However, the goal was disallowed after the referee consulted VAR and determined that a foul had occurred earlier in the buildup, awarding Real Sociedad a penalty kick. Mikel Oyarzabal converted the spot kick in the 76th minute, putting Sociedad ahead 3-1.
Rayo coach Inigo Perez expressed frustration with the decision, stating, "If you decide not to call a penalty, the VAR calls you and your decision is delayed minute by minute, you are essentially telling the public that you don't think it's a penalty because you are not convinced." He added, "If you have doubts over 10 minutes, it's because it isn't (a penalty). I think he still doesn't know if it was a penalty."
Rayo's Late Fightback
Despite the setback, Rayo Vallecano refused to give up. Florian Lejeune pulled one back in the 84th minute, and deep into stoppage time, Alemao scored in the ninth minute of added time to level the score at 3-3. The draw left Real Sociedad winless in three league games, remaining in eighth place, while Rayo moved up to 11th.
Sevilla's Woes Continue
In the relegation battle, Sevilla's struggles persisted as they conceded two late goals in a 2-1 loss at Osasuna. Neal Maupay gave Sevilla the lead in the 69th minute, but Osasuna rallied with goals from Raul Garcia in the 80th minute and Alejandro Catena deep into stoppage time. It was Sevilla's fifth defeat in six matches.
Sevilla coach Luis Garcia Plaza lamented, "We had the chance of winning at a tough place. The team played well but again it was for nothing." He strongly criticized the nine minutes of stoppage time. Osasuna, who had won only one of their last seven matches, climbed to ninth place.
Elche Moves Clear of Danger
Earlier, Elche boosted their survival hopes with a 2-1 win at bottom-placed Oviedo. It was their fourth victory in five matches, taking them to 38 points, four clear of 18th-placed Sevilla. Sevilla sits one point behind Mallorca, the first team outside the relegation zone. Oviedo remains seven points from safety.
Title Race Update
Barcelona extended their lead at the top of the table to 11 points after a 2-0 win at Getafe on Saturday. Second-placed Real Madrid drew 1-1 at Real Betis on Friday. Third-placed Villarreal secured a 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo, giving American defender Alex Freeman, son of former Super Bowl winner Antonio Freeman, a win in his first La Liga start.
