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Dani Carvajal sees red as La Liga leaders Real Madrid held by Rayo Vallecano

Real moved to 62 points, six points ahead of second-placed Girona

Real Madrid's Dani Carvajal (R) leaves the pitch after receiving a red card during match against Rayo Vallecano | AFP

La Liga leaders Real Madrid were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw at lowly city rivals Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, a result that could help spice up the title race with surprise contenders Girona.

Forward Joselu gave Real Madrid the lead with a close-range strike from a counterattack in the third minute but Raul de Tomas levelled with a penalty in the 27th after VAR spotted an Eduardo Camavinga handball.

The disgruntled visitors were reduced to 10 men in added time when 75th-minute substitute Dani Carvajal was shown two yellow cards in two minutes. Real moved to 62 points, six points ahead of second-placed Girona who have a game in hand at Athletic Bilbao on Monday. 

Barcelona are a distant third on 54 points