Rayo Vallecano and Athletic Bilbao have celebrated mid-table safety by sharing a four-goal thriller on the final day of La Liga fixtures.

After just nine minutes of the match, Bilbao were reduced to 10 men as striker Artiz Aduriz was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Vallecano took full advantage soon after as Jose Carlos found Franco Vazquez in the penalty area, with the Argentine firing into the bottom corner from close range to break the deadlock.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Bilbao responded positively and quickly equalised through a composed finish from Markel Susaeta.

Early in the second half a spirited turnaround was complete as Jon Aurtenetxe found space to head home a measured cross from Ibai Gomez.

Bilbao were only ahead for eight minutes as Rayo quickly restored parity through Piti, as the forward found the net following a set piece from the hosts.

Both sides pressed for a winner late on but had to settle for a point, with Carlos guilty of wasteful finishing in the closing stages.