Real Madrid were denied a first home win over Atletico Madrid in four attempts as Antoine Griezmann snatched a 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.
Real, who are now three points above Barcelona, took a deserved lead when Pepe headed home Toni Kroos’ free-kick.
The European champions continued to dominate but without really testing Atletico keeper Jan Oblak on too many occasions.
And Griezmann levelled for third-placed Atletico when he slid home Angel Correa’s through ball.
Barcelona will go top on goal difference if they win at Malaga later on Saturday (19:45 BST), although Real will have a game in hand.
On the balance of play, Real should have won – with Karim Benzema forcing a good first-half save from Oblak and defender Stefan Savic brilliantly clearing Cristiano Ronaldo’s shot off the line.