Ricca salvages a point for Malaga

Malaga start strong

Two clear scoring opportunities in just five minutes. Javi Gracia's charges came out of the blocks with a bang. Chory Castro almost opened the scoring on two occasions - the first time picking up on a good assist but heading the ball straight to the Rayo Vallecano keeper, then, two minutes later, a second attempt, which came off a Rayo defender, again almost found its mark.

Rayo's response

After 12 minutes of play, the Paco Jémez outfit reacted. Miku served up the assist and Quini left-footed the ball against the woodwork. Opportunities on both sides with attempts coming for their respective sides from Juanpi, Adri Embarba, Pablo Hernandez... A hotly contested match at La Rosaleda, but no goals.

Two chances for Javi Guerra

The second half started just like the first. But this time it was Paco Jemez's side putting on the pressure, with two clear opportunities coming after the break for Javi Guerra. The Malaga striker finished a corner kick, which came off the crossbar before rebounding back to give Javi Guerra another bite at the cherry, who headed the ball wide.

Embarba hits the mark

62 minutes and numerous attempts later, Embarba finally opened the scoring. The game had descended into a free-for-all and Rayo Vallecano eased the pressure. Not without a degree of luck. An effort from Embarba at the edge of the box touched Raul Baena and the ball slipped into the goal defended by Guillermo Ochoa.

Ricca equalises in stoppage time

The Madrid side were already almost on their way home with the three points in the bag when Malaga levelled the score with a free kick in from the wing and Federico Ricca's effort fired in past Juan Carlos from the penalty spot. The Malaga defender salvaged a point for his team and Paco Jemez's charges took a draw away from La Rosaleda which, after two consecutive points-winning games, brings them another step closer to the safety zone.