Valencia have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Champions League football after being held to a 1-1 draw away at Rayo Vallecano in their La Liga clash at the Campo de Futbol de Vallecas.

The hosts took the lead in the 19th minute when Ze Castro's headed flick-on found Adrian Embarba, who fired past Diego Alves and into the net from outside the box.

There were no further goals in a first half largely devoid of goalmouth action, although Rayo suffered a setback in their hopes of claiming the win when Jorge Morcillo was sent off in the 63rd minute for a challenge on Andre Gomes.

Indeed, Valencia struck back moments later when, from the subsequent free kick, Daniel Parejo curled a powerful effort into the top right corner.

The game became increasingly bad-tempered as Rayo coach Paco Jemez was sent to the stands for dissent and Valencia striker Rodrigo was dismissed for an elbow on Tono.

There was a late flurry of action in the latter stages as both sides pushed forward in a bid to grab a winner, but neither succeeded as the game finished with the points being shared.

Valencia remain fourth in the La Liga table on goal difference, with Sevilla hot on their heels, while Rayo remain in 11th place.