Super Eagles forward Umar Sadiq, was on target as Rayo Vallecano missed a vital opportunity to climb into LaLiga’s European spots, settling for a 1-1 draw against Valencia at the Estadio de Vallecas.
The result stretched Rayo’s winless streak at home to five games, with three draws and two losses in that run.
With just three points separating them from eighth-placed Mallorca at the start of the weekend, Rayo were eager to climb up the table.
However, they struggled to find their rhythm early on, allowing Valencia to dictate play in the opening stages.
The visitors carved out the first big opportunity in the 7th minute when Diego Lopez slipped a pass through to Hugo Duro. The forward’s left-footed shot flashed across goal but narrowly missed the far post.
Rayo nearly snatched the lead against the run of play when Jorge de Frutos powered a header toward the right side of the net, but Giorgi Mamardashvili produced a stunning stop to deny the hosts.
Just before the break, Rayo finally found a breakthrough, albeit fortuitously. Under pressure from Randy Nteka, Valencia’s César Tárrega inadvertently turned Pedro Díaz’s cross into his own net, leaving Mamardashvili helpless.
The second half saw the hosts come out strong, dominating possession and pushing forward, but they were limited to half-chances that didn’t trouble the Valencia goalkeeper too much. One of their better efforts came just after the hour mark, when Álvaro García rose to meet a cross but could only direct his header straight into Mamardashvili’s gloves.
Valencia squandered a glaring chance to pull level with 20 minutes left on the clock, as Rafa Mir blazed a shot over the bar from close range. But redemption came shortly after.
Carlos Corberán’s men found the equaliser in the 75th minute.
Umar Sadiq saw his initial effort rebound off the post before reacting quickest to slot home the follow-up, ensuring the visitors took something from the encounter.
In the end, both sides were forced to settle for a point. Rayo Vallecano remain outside the top eight, while Valencia continue to hover safely in the middle of the table.
