Rayo Vallecano held Real Madrid to 1-1 stalemate in a local Derby on Sunday.
Joselu put the visitors ahead in four minutes, a lovely cross from the right from Federico Valverde was directed goalward by Joselu Mato for his 14th goal of the season. A VAR check would confirm the decision, much to the delight of the visitors.
But former Madrid youth player Raul de Tomas equalized for Rayo from the penalty spot in coach Inigo Perez’s first match at the helm as Eduardo Camavinga was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area, which presented Raul de Tomas with the opportunity to score against his former club. He dually took it, firing into the roof of the net to give Andriy Lunin no chance.
Real Madrid pushed for a winner in the second half but could not penetrate resilient Rayo
Carlo Ancelotti’s side stretched their lead on Girona, second, to six points, before the Catalan minnows face Athletic Bilbao on Monday.
After Los Blancos thrashed Girona last weekend to take a five-point lead in the title race, the draw allows their closest pursuers a chance to cut the gap.
Dani Carvajal was sent off at the death for Madrid after appearing to elbow Kike Perez.
Rayo, 14th, sacked Francisco Rodriguez earlier this week and appointed Perez, with Madrid’s visit a baptism of fire.
Joselu headed home a second but this time it was correctly disallowed after Lucas Vazquez had taken the ball out of play before crossing for his Spanish compatriot.
Despite taking an early lead, Madrid failed to create many clear openings.
Los Blancos were without top goalscorer Jude Bellingham, currently recovering from an ankle injury.
They earned a 1-0 win over RB Leipzig in the Champions League in midweek and perhaps tiredness told against an energised, hard-working Rayo.
The hosts pulled level through De Tomas’ penalty after 27 minutes, slammed down the middle after Eduardo Camavinga handled Oscar Trejo’s shot.
Valverde, heavily involved, cracked a shot against the post from 20 yards as Madrid looked to restore their lead.
At the other end Andriy Lunin was alert to save at the near post from Alvaro Garcia after Rayo picked Luka Modric’s pocket.
Substitute Toni Kroos forced a good save from Rayo goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski with a free-kick as the clock ticked down.
The Macedonian stopper also fielded a long range Carvajal drive in stoppage time.
The defender was then dismissed for swinging an elbow at Kike Perez in frustration after his shirt was pulled to earn a second yellow card and end a disappointing afternoon for Madrid.
Later Sunday, Granada face Almeria in a battle between the bottom two, while Real Sociedad visit Mallorca and Real Betis host Alaves.
