Valencia fans wave defiant banners in first home game since Vincius Jr racist abuse: Respect
The Independent Playing its first home game with a section of Mestalla Stadium closed as punishment for the racist abuse against Vincius Jnior, Valencia moved closer to avoiding relegation from the Spanish league thanks to a stoppage-time equalizer in a 2-2 draw against Espanyol.
Valencia had the first of three matches with a small section of Mestalla closed behind one of the goals where the abuse targeting Vincius took place in a match against Real Madrid a week ago.
Valencia was initially ordered to close the section for five matches but the punishment was reduced on appeal. The clubs initial fine of 45,000 euros ($48,200) was also reduced to 27,000 euros ($28,900).
The draw was enough to relegate Espanyol for the second time in three seasons. Espanyol was set to take its fight against relegation to the final round but Samuel Lino scored Valencia's equalizer with a shot from inside the area three minutes into stoppage time.
Valencia dropped to 15th place but stayed two points from the relegation zone ahead of its match at sixth-place Real Betis next Sunday.
