Valladolid get three vital points in relegation battle in controversial fashion

Few thought the game would end like this if they had left the stadium five minutes before the end of the match. Once again, the VAR took centre stage with a controversial penalty decision. In just five minutes, Valladolid's position in the relegation scrap changed dramatically. Verde scored a penalty which ended Eibar's resistance, which crumbled and Guardiola ended up scoring the winner. 

Despite the fact the first half was exciting and had plenty of chances, it was not until the second half when the goals came and then the excitement. Eibar left Valladolid it and it took them 20 minutes to reach the Valladolid area. Valladolid knew that it was a key match in their fight for survival, but it seemed like Eibar were the side who were just outside the relegation zone. Although Guardiola and Keko had the chance to put Valladolid in front, the truth is Sergio's side are still not good enough in front of goal. 

It all changed after the half-time interval. Just after the start of the second half, Eibar finally broke through. In the 54th minute, Orellana ran onto a loose ball in the area to open the scoring. When Enes Unal came on, the Turk gave Valladolid more of a cutting edge, who found in Sergi Guardiola, the perfect strike partner. As time was passing, Sergio's side went further and further forward, mostly on the counter. 

When Eibar had the game under control and it looked like Eibar would get the three points to almost mathematically secure La Liga survival, the most controversial moment came along. A long ball was sent to Oscar Plano, who got his foot to the ball. His shot went wide, but Dmitrovic caught him and after a few minutes of VAR and a trip to the sideline, the referee Medie Jimenez, gave the penalty.

Valladlid were lifted by the goal and went for more. Sergi Guardiola took advantage of Arbilla's error to turn around the game. It was a dream ending to the game for Valladolid and there is still a lot more twists and turns to go in the fight for survival. Eibar will have to wait for another day to finally secure La Liga survival.