Mauro Arambarri struck in stoppage time to rescue a 1-1 draw for Getafe against Rayo Vallecano on Friday night, denying the hosts a long-awaited La Liga victory that would have been their first since October.
The late equaliser ensured the Madrid derby ended level after a tense and closely fought contest.
Rayo Vallecano had taken the lead just before the break in fortuitous circumstances.
Goalkeeper David Soria failed to properly handle Jorge de Frutos’ powerful volley from a tight angle, allowing the ball to slip into the net and handing the home side a crucial advantage heading into halftime.
Buoyed by the goal, Rayo approached the second half with renewed confidence and discipline. They defended compactly, limited Getafe’s clear chances and looked increasingly comfortable as the clock ticked down, appearing on course to finally claim all three points in front of their supporters.
However, Getafe refused to give up and continued to push forward in the closing stages. Their persistence paid off in the 90th minute when Luis Milla, once again influential as the team’s chief creator, delivered a precise cross into the box.
Arambarri rose highest to power a header past the helpless Rayo goalkeeper, snatching a dramatic equaliser at the death.
The result brought an end to Getafe’s four-match winless run and left José Bordalás’ side 10th in the table, sitting two points and two places above Rayo Vallecano.
