MADRID: Valladolid rallied to a 2-2 draw at Alaves in La Liga on Friday after their goalkeeper had given away an early goal with an embarrassing mistake.

Goalkeeper Yoel Rodriguez kicked the ball into an Alaves opponent and it ricocheted into the net for the game’s opening goal in the fourth minute. Rodriguez had the ball deep inside his area when he mistimed his kick as Alaves’ John Guidetti sprinted to make a challenge. Guidetti slid hard in front of the ball and was able to redirect it into the goal.

The hosts added to the lead with Jonathan “Jony” Rodriguez 20 minutes later, but Valladolid came back with a goal by Joaquin Fernandez before halftime and a penalty converted by Enes Unal in the second half.

It was the fifth straight match without a win for Alaves, who have likely fallen out of contention for the final Champions League spot. It is eighth in the standings with 46 points from 33 matches.

Valladolid, who are just outside the relegation zone, also hasn’t won in five straight matches. The team owned by former Brazil star forward Ronaldo was promoted to the first division this season for the first time since 2013-14.

Published in Dawn, April 21st, 2019