Álemao struck with a dramatic header deep into stoppage time to earn Rayo Vallecano a thrilling 3-3 draw against Real Sociedad in a pulsating La Liga encounter at Estadio de Vallecas.
The late leveller ensured Rayo extended their unbeaten home run to seven league matches, though the result also prolonged Sociedad’s struggles, with the visitors now winless in their last six LaLiga meetings.
Both sides came into the contest with their attention split by cup commitments, Sociedad boasting European ambitions, while already-secured continental qualification appeared to have done little to dampen their intensity early on.
La Real started brightly, with Ander Barrenetxea testing Dani Cárdenas after a sharp solo run, before further chances fell to Duje Ćaleta-Car and Takefusa Kubo.
Their pressure paid off when Mikel Oyarzabal produced a moment of brilliance, gliding past defenders to slot home the opener.
Rayo thought they had responded instantly through Carlos Martín, only for the goal to be ruled out for handball in the build-up.
However, they were not to be denied for long, as Sergio Camello weaved through the defence before finishing smartly to restore parity.
After the break, Camello missed a big chance to give Rayo the lead, and Sociedad made them pay. Orri Óskarsson restored the visitors’ advantage after a slick move orchestrated by Sergio Gómez.
Controversy followed when Rayo had another goal disallowed after VAR adjudged a foul in the build-up.
That decision proved costly, as Oyarzabal converted from the penalty spot moments later to extend Sociedad’s lead.
Rayo refused to give in, though. Florian Lejeune pulled one back to set up a tense finale, before Álemao rose highest in the dying seconds to head home and spark wild celebrations among the home fans.
The draw leaves Sociedad with just one win in their last five league outings, while Rayo will take confidence from a spirited comeback that keeps them clear of the relegation zone.
