Rayo and Alaves share points in injury-marred La Liga clash

Rayo Vallecano hosted Deportivo Alaves in the second round of Spain's La Liga, with the match finishing 1:1.

Tough start for both sides

Just 17 minutes in, Rayo lost long-serving forward Isi Palazon, who was forced off with an injury. In the 35th minute, the hosts appeared to score after the ball crossed the line off a deflection from an opposing defender, but VAR review disallowed the goal after spotting the defender playing the ball with an outstretched elbow.

Near the end of the first half, Alaves created the half's most dangerous moment when goalkeeper Antonio Sivera (referred to as Augusto Batalja) came out to join the attack, leaving his goal unguarded. The visiting forward received a pass into an empty net but Toni Martinez struck the post instead.

Second-half goal and another injury

After the break, Rayo broke the deadlock. On a counterattack, Sergio Camello burst into the box, held off pressure and fired a precise finish into the far corner to make it 1-0.

Soon after, Alaves suffered a second forced substitution when their goalkeeper had to be carried off on a stretcher following a collision with Rayo's goalkeeper as both challenged for the ball.

Late equalizer

In the 84th minute, Rayo defender Andrei Ratiu misplaced a backpass, gifting Alaves a quick counterattack. Mariano Diaz intercepted the ball and finished precisely to level the score. Shortly after, Martinez had a chance to snatch a winner but rushed his shot and put it over the bar. The match ended 1-1.

Deportivo Alaves will next face Villarreal on August 28, while Rayo Vallecano get a slightly longer break before facing reigning champions Barcelona on the last day of August.