Levante took a 1-0 lead with a header from Carlos Espí against a rotated Rayo Vallecano side preparing for Europe, but squandered the advantage after Mendy’s 53rd-minute red card. Pathé Ciss equalized in stoppage time to earn a point in this relegation scrap.
Luís Castro’s Levante let two golden points slip on Monday at Vallecas Stadium against Íñigo Pérez’s Rayo Vallecano. The Granotas controlled the first half against a Rayo unable to dictate play. Iván Romero headed wide early, and Jorge de Frutos wasted a one-on-one with Ryan. Víctor García threatened down the right, but Iker Losada’s dangerous cross from the left found Carlos Espí jumping ahead of Balliu for a header making it 0-1 just before halftime, despite Batalla’s touch. Espí had earlier missed a volley in a good spot, and Batalla then cleared another header from him, with Toljan’s rebound blocked by Pacha Espino. Pérez substituted Álvaro García and Akhomach for Gumbau and Fran Pérez, keeping only Batalla, Lejeune, and Alemao from the lineup against Samsunspor in Conference League. In the 53rd minute, Mendy erred badly: he misplayed a pass leaving Romero clear, handled the ball, and earned a second yellow, exiting without protest. Despite the man advantage, Levante faltered. Álvaro García and Akhomach hurt with rapid runs; the former shot wide. Víctor García missed 0-2 against Batalla. Rayo, down to Lejeune and Ratiu at the back late on, equalized in added time: Lejeune flicked on a cross and Ciss controlled at the far post to beat Ryan. A point apiece in the relegation fight, with Levante hosting Oviedo at Ciutat de València on Saturday.
