By Our Spanish Correspondent I Madrid, Sunday
MIKEL OYARZABAL thought he had single-handedly carried the Copa del Rey winners to a hard-fought victory, but a dramatic 99th-minute header from super-sub Alemão ensured the points were shared in a breathless 3-3 draw at the Estadio de Vallecas.
In a game that had more twists than a Madrid backstreet, Real Sociedad’s captain showed exactly why he is the jewel in La Real’s crown.
Fresh from their cup glory, the visitors looked to have shaken off their “hangover” when Oyarzabal opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, gliding past defenders as if they were statues before slotting home.
But Rayo, fueled by their famously raucous home support, refused to lie down. Sergio Camello pulled the hosts level just eight minutes later with a finish that showcased some sublime close control.
The second half belonged to the stars. Real Sociedad’s young Icelandic sensation Orri Óskarsson regained the lead for the visitors in the 63rd minute, before Oyarzabal appeared to put the game to bed from the penalty spot. At 3-1 with just 15 minutes to go, the Vallecas faithful could have been forgiven for heading for the exits.
Instead, they witnessed a comeback for the ages:
84th Minute: Defender Florian Lejeune rose highest to thump home a header, setting up a grandstand finish.
90+9 Minute: With the referee’s whistle practically in his mouth, Alemão connected with a desperate cross to spark scenes of pure delirium in the stands.
While Oyarzabal walked away with the Man of the Match honors for his brace, Rayo’s Ilias Akhomach was the unsung hero, providing two crucial assists to keep the home side’s unbeaten run alive.
The match ended in typical fiery fashion, with Isi Palazón seeing red in the dying seconds as tempers flared following Alemão’s equalizer.
For Real Sociedad, it’s two points dropped; for Rayo, it’s a result that feels like a victory and keeps them comfortably away from the drop zone.
