Valencia were on course for a win away to Real Valladolid on Sunday lunchtime, until goalscorer Aly Cissokho was red carded in conceding a penalty.
Los Che had the better of play in the first half and deservedly took the lead through full-back Cissokho, who was on hand to head in Andres Guardado’s set-piece as early as the 15th minute of play.
Hosts Valladolid had little in response in the first period and then began the second half on the back foot, as Mauricio Pellegrino’s men pressed for a second goal in comfort.
Valladolid began to play their way back into proceedings, but in failing to create anything clear cut, were handed a warning on the hour mark, when Valencia went down the other end to put the ball in the net, only for it to be disallowed for a correct offside call on Roberto Soldado.
That seemingly fired a reaction from the home side, who minutes later in pushing forward earned a penalty, as Omar Ramos’ pressing run through the middle drew the foul from Cissokho inside the area.
As the last man, the Frenchman was also shown a straight red card, whilst Victor Perez stepped up to equalise from the spot.
However, Valladolid struggled to make their extra man advantage count, failing to put together many telling movements in the final third, with Valencia finishing the game looking the more likely to find a winner.
