Real Madrid remained three points clear of Barcelona at the top of LaLiga as both sides dropped points on Wednesday night.
Real had missed the chance to claim a record 17th straight LaLiga win as they had to settle for a 1-1 draw at home to Villarreal but Barca were unable to close the gap to their bitter rivals as they were also held 1-1 by Atletico Madrid at the Nou Camp, with Lionel Messi limping off with an injury.
Real Madrid were hesitant in the first half against the Yellow Submarine and the first period ended with Sergio Ramos conceding a penalty by blocking Manu Trigueros' shot with his hand. Bruno Soriano stepped up to plant a Panenka-style kick past Kiko Casilla.
Ramos atoned with a towering header from a James Rodriguez corner three minutes into the second half but despite their domination Real were unable to find the crucial winner.
Barcelona were at one stage on course to cut Real's lead to one point when Ivan Rakitic headed them in front from an inswinging Andres Iniesta cross in the 41st minute.
But the second half will have raised Real coach Zinedine Zidane's spirits as first Barcelona's key man Messi had to go off with what appeared to be a groin injury and moments later Angel Correa grabbed a deserved equaliser for Atletico.
Source: PA-WIRE
