Buenos Aires, December 1 (NA) — Valencia secured a valuable 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano in an intense match played this Monday at the Vallecas Stadium, corresponding to matchday 14 of LaLiga. The home team's goal was scored by Mendy in the 37th minute of the first half, while Valencia equalized through Diego López in the 19th minute of the second half, according to the Argentine News Agency. Valencia started decisively and created the first dangerous plays through combinations between Thierry, Javi Guerra, and Hugo Duro. With the entry of Danjuma and other changes, Valencia gained ground and found the equalizer: a shot by Diego López deflected off Mendy and dislocated the home goalkeeper, making it 1-1. With this result, Valencia has 14 points and is in 15th place, two points away from Girona, the last team in the relegation zone. Rayo, for its part, remains in 9th place with 17 points, seven points away from the spots that grant access to international competitions. Finally, Mendy broke the deadlock for the home side after a corner kick in which his powerful shot overcame the visitors' resistance. At the end of the first half, Valencia came close to equalizing after a lapse in communication between Mendy and Batalla, but Diego López's attempt was blocked by Álvaro García. In the second half, the team coached by Corberán sought to react, although Rayo once again posed a threat with a shot from outside the area. Nevertheless, Valencia responded with danger and forced Agirrezabala to intervene after a shot from former Valencia player Fran Pérez. As the match progressed, the game became balanced, and despite the inaccuracies due to a fast and frozen pitch, the Madrid side came close to scoring in several consecutive actions that were saved by the Basque goalkeeper and by Copete.
