Rayo Vallecano battled to a 1-1 draw against Athletic Club, with Iñaki Williams’ swift equalizer cancelling out Jorge de Frutos’ first-half opener in a hard-fought La Liga clash.
The shared points at Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas saw Rayo, sitting 14th with recent inconsistent form, halt a string of losses. Athletic Club, pushing for European qualification from 8th, aimed for a crucial victory on the road.
The first half saw a determined Rayo Vallecano take the initiative. They pressed Athletic and created several opportunities, reflecting their higher expected goals throughout the match.
Their persistence paid off in the 35th minute. Jorge de Frutos found the back of the net, slotting home to give the home side a deserved lead as the half drew to a close.
Athletic, meanwhile, struggled to convert their chances. The visitors received a yellow card for M. Jauregizar in the 39th minute, followed by Isi Palazón for Rayo just a minute later, showing the match's feisty nature.
As the teams headed into the break, Rayo held a narrow advantage. Athletic Club would need a strong response in the second half to keep their European aspirations alive.
Just after the restart, Athletic delivered. Iñaki Williams showcased his predatory instinct, leveling the score in the 47th minute. He finished from close range, with A. Berenguer playing a vital role in the immediate build-up.
The equalizer invigorated the visitors, but Rayo's defense remained resilient. The second half became a tactical battle, marked by a flurry of substitutions from both benches to inject fresh energy.
Athletic collected more cautions, with O. Sancet booked in the 65th minute and Daniel Vivian receiving a yellow in the 71st. Rayo's Ilias Akhomach also saw yellow late in the game for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Despite late efforts from both teams, neither could find a winner. Rayo continued to test Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simón, who proved instrumental with six crucial saves to deny the home side.
Statistics reflected the tight contest but favored Rayo's attacking intent. Rayo Vallecano registered 15 total shots with 7 on target, alongside an xG of 1.33. Athletic managed 8 total shots, with only 2 on target and an xG of 0.54. Ball possession was evenly split at 50% for each team.
This result offers a valuable point for Rayo Vallecano in their bid to distance themselves from the relegation zone. For Athletic Club, it is a point gained on the road, yet perhaps a missed opportunity to consolidate their push for a European spot in a competitive La Liga season.
