Levante UD is left without a reward in stoppage time

Levante UD came close to a valuable victory in their visit to Rayo Vallecano, but a controversial goal by Pathé Ciss in the final moments of the match left the score tied.

The first half unfolded with opportunities for both teams, although the clearest chances came from the Levante side. The first attempt was by Iván Romero, who connected a header that went just wide of the left post. The home team responded a few minutes later with a cross from De Frutos that Gumbau let pass, allowing Pedro Díaz, arriving from behind, to shoot over the crossbar. Levante UD continued to press for the opposing goal, especially with crosses from the right wing looking for a finisher. Around the half-hour mark, the blue and garnet team almost took the lead. Víctor García delivered a cross, and Carlos Espí narrowly missed the target. The same Levante number '17' tried again minutes later with a powerful shot from the edge of the box that went over the bar.

The intensity and danger continued to come from the blue and garnet team, who kept pushing forward. Their persistence paid off in the final minutes of the first half. Iker Losada assisted Carlos Espí, and the forward, with a determined header, sent the ball into the back of the net. Rayo Vallecano responded immediately with a long-range shot from Pedro Díaz aiming for the top corner, but the ball went wide. Before halftime, Levante UD had the chance to extend their lead. Víctor García sent another cross, which Carlos Espí headed, but Batalla saved the ball, and Toljan's subsequent attempt was blocked by Pacha.

After the break, the Granota team came out with the same ambition. In the early stages, Víctor García delivered another dangerous cross that Carlos Espí couldn't finish as Mendy anticipated and cleared it for a corner. Mendy was in the spotlight again shortly after, receiving a second yellow card for stopping a counterattack with his hand, leaving his team with one player less.

Far from giving up, Rayo grew stronger despite playing with ten men and sought the equalizer. On Levante UD's side, Paco Cortés tried his luck with a shot that Balliu deflected at the last moment. Víctor García also attempted a shot that went over the crossbar and, shortly after, following an assist from Iván Romero, forced Batalla to make a save. The match entered its final stretch with Rayo pushing forward in attack and the Valencians trying to protect their lead. The clearest chance for the home team came in stoppage time when Ilias took a shot that Ryan deflected. Shortly after, Lejeune also tried with a header. Just when the match seemed to be over, Rayo Vallecano equalized in a controversial play. Pathé Ciss controlled the ball with his arm before sending it into the back of the net. Levante players protested the play, but after a VAR review, the goal was awarded, and the score remained unchanged.