Rayo stung by defensive errors in 2-2 draw with Espanyol

Mistakes at their own end forced Rayo Vallecano to settle for a 2-2 draw against visiting Espanyol in a match where the hosts had the better chances.

Hovering near the La Liga drop zone, newly promoted Rayo started the match here on Friday with a sense of urgency and their commitment paid off in the fifth minute, when Raul de Tomas caught Espanyol goalkeeper Diego Lopez off-guard with a strike from well outside the area, reports Efe.

The visitors equalised in the 18th minute as Borja Iglesias hammered in the rebound after Rayo keeper Alberto made the initial stop againt Borja Hermoso.

Alberto thwarted Iglesias' bid for a second goal, only to concede to Espanyol's Esteban Granero in the final minute of the first half to make it 2-1 for the Catalan club.

The lead evaporated two minutes into the second half after Rayo's Luis Advincula was brought down in the box. The referee pointed to the spot and Gael Kukuta converted to level the score at 2-2.

Energized by the goal, Rayo began to create chances in quick succession.

The best opportunity fell to Adrian Embarba, who tested Lopez with a strike and was poised to score on the rebound until Hermoso came to his keeper's aid and made the stop on the line.

Bebe forced Lopez to make a save and Santi Comesaña fired just outside the post as the home side battled up to the final whistle in pursuit of all three points.

With the draw, Espanyol move up to fifth place with 11 points from seven matches, though sixth-place Sevilla (10 points) have a game in hand.

Rayo, who have four points from six matches, are 17th.

--IANS

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