Real Madrid, La Liga’s leaders, were held to a challenging 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
At the start, Joselu gave the visitors the lead, but former Madrid youth player Raul de Tomas equalized for Rayo from the penalty spot in manager Inigo Perez’s first game in charge.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team extended their advantage over second-place Girona to six points, with the Catalan minnows facing Athletic Bilbao on Monday. Los Blancos defeated Girona last weekend to secure a five-point lead in the title race, and the draw gives their nearest challengers a chance to reduce the gap.
After seemingly elbowing Kike Perez, Dani Carvajal was sent off.
Rayo, ranked 14th, fired Francisco Rodriguez earlier this week and signed Perez.
Madrid took the lead after just three minutes thanks to a quick counterattack by Fede Valverde, who raced down the right. Joselu headed home the Uruguayan’s cross, and although it was first flagged offside, VAR said the goal should stand.
After 27 minutes, De Tomas’ penalty, which came after Eduardo Camavinga had handled Oscar Trejo’s shot, got the home team 1-1.