On their longest unbeaten away run in La Liga since the turn of the century, Rayo Vallecano kicked off against a Getafe side winless in six games in all competitions. On paper, the visitors were strong favourites against relegation candidates Getafe, but on the pitch, each side struggled to make their mark in the opening stages, as both goalkeepers remained relatively untested.
Nevertheless, as the game neared the break, the deadlock was finally broken by pre-match favourites Rayo Vallecano. Coming in calamitous fashion, Mauro Arambarri was unfortunate enough to find the back of his own net in the 38th minute following an attempt to clear from the initial corner.
Getafe responded well after the break, and were handed the ultimate opportunity to find an early equaliser when the referee pointed to the spot following Iván Balliu’s challenge inside the area. Taking responsibility in the 50th minute, Borja Mayoral failed to convert, however, as Rayo Vallecano received a major let-off. The hosts’ miserable start to the second period didn’t stop there, as Carles Alena’s dissent led to a second yellow card, and therefore his dismissal, in the 54th minute.
Down to 10 men and a goal down, it looked set to be mission impossible for Getafe, but Enes Unal soon defied the odds to bring the hosts level in 77th minute, benefitting from Dimitrievski’s error to find the back of the net in a disappointing moment for the Rayo Vallecano shot-stopper. The goalkeeper can at least take credit for holding onto a draw for the visitors, having denied substitute Munir El Haddadi from close range late on.
Spurning the chance to move level on points with fourth-placed Atletico Madrid, Rayo Vallecano will be left frustrated. Meanwhile, Getafe will take plenty of positives after seeing David Soria save substitute Raúl de Tomas’ penalty in the 88th minute, leaving them just two points adrift of safety,
