Celta frustrated by Racing's last-gasp comeback

Racing Santander substitute Diego Alonso headed an equaliser in the ninth minute of injury time as they scrambled a 2-2 draw at Celta Vigo on Sunday.

The result means Celta have opened the door to Valencia to regain fourth place in the first division and pole position in the race between the two for a Champions League berth.

Celta stay fourth on 54 points but Valencia, who host neighbours Villarreal later on Sunday, are just a point behind.

Deportivo Coruna knocked Real Madrid off the top on Saturday after a 2-0 win over Malaga, while the former leaders were held to a goalless draw at lowly Recreativo Huelva.

Real Sociedad also have a chance of overhauling Real in the standings if can win their tricky match at Mallorca on Sunday.

Celta took the lead at Balaidos 10 minutes before the break when defender Juanfran cracked a close-range volley low inside the near post after centre forward Catanha had headed back across the face of the goal following a corner.

But the Galicians suffered a double blow early in the second half when goalkeeper Pablo Cavallero was sent off for bringing down Rodolfo Bodipo after the forward had raced towards goal and Javi Guerrero scored from the resulting spot kick.

Racing were also reduced to 10 men when defender Corminas was dismissed after a second booking 13 minutes later and Celta looked on course for victory when Edu scored from the penalty spot five minutes from time.

But Racing refused to fold and former Atletico Madrid striker Alonso popped up at the far post deep into injury time to head home a valuable equaliser that kept the Cantabrians well clear of the relegation zone.