One point closer. La Real drew 1-1 this afternoon in Vallecas. The game began brightly but reduced its tempo. A goal by Sorloth put the txuri urdin ahead in the first half but Falcao scored the equalizer in the second half. Europe is a little bit closer. Asier Illarramendi was back on the starting eleven leading the midfield line and played the full first half. After the break, he was replaced by Januzai. 

The side from San Sebastián came out all guns blazing right from the first whistle and soon carved out a chance to open the scoring as Portu tried his luck on several occasions. However, his efforts, somewhat forced, were denied by Catena and Dimitrievski, respectively. He was close to score the opener. With thirty minutes on the clock, Sorloth put us front with a left-footed shot just inside the post. In the final minutes of the first half, the hosts pushed forward and caused problems for Remiro, who did well to deny the side from Vallecas.

The visitors were the first to create any real danger on the second half as Januzaj shot with his right foot after a fine individual move and Dimitrievski's rebound could not be finished off by Merino. A pity. Imanol's team defended well, but rarely reached their opponents’ box in the second half. On minute 77, Falcao scored the equalizer by taking advantage of a rebound after Álvaro's shot hit the post.

La Real is closer to Europe but still has a long way to go. There are four games to go and everything is still to be decided. Aupa, Real!

- Match stats:

Rayo Vallecano: Dimitrievski, Mario Hernández, Maras, Vatena, Fran García, Pathe Ciss (Valentín, min.46), Comesaña (cap), Unai López (Trejo, min.63), Isi (Falcao, min.77), Álvaro García and Guardiola (Nteka, min.46).

Real Sociedad: Remiro, Gorosabel (Zaldua, min.54), Zubeldia (Aritz, min.46), Le Normand, Rico, Illarra (cap)(Januzaj, min.46), Zubimendi, Merino, Rafael (Guevara, min.77), Portu (Isak, min.65) and Sorloth.

Goals: 0-1: Sorloth, min.34. 1-1: Falcao, min.77.

Referee: Muñiz Ruiz. Booked Unai López and Valentín for Rayo Vallecano and Zubeldia for Real Sociedad.

- Match report by realsociedad.com