ATLETICO MADRID kept their noses just in front of Barcelona after playing out a goalless draw at the Nou Camp.
The hosts went into the game two points adrift of Diego Simeone’s squad in second place, knowing a win would see them go top on goal difference.
But neither side were able to break the deadlock in a nervy encounter in which both teams lost a key man to injury.
Atleti saw Thomas Lemar limp off – replaced by Saul Niguez, who was later subbed off himself – after just 13 minutes.
And there was worry on the Barcelona bench after Sergio Busquets left the pitch following a horror clash of heads.
Busquets was quickly replaced by Ilaix Moriba with the club later confirming the midfielder had been rushed to hospital.
Barcelona thought they’d taken a crucial, potentially title-winning lead with just 20 minutes to play.
Ronald Araujo headed the ball past Jan Oblak from a free-kick, but the assistant referee rightly had his flag up for offside.
Barca kept their foot on the gas from there though, with Antoine Griezmann going desperately close just moments later, sending a first-time shot narrowly wide.
With just five minutes to play, sub Ousmane Dembele squandered a gilt-edged chance to win the clash.
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The French winger leapt highest to get on the end of a pin-perfect Jordi Alba cross, but somehow nodded the ball over the bar.
Real Madrid will now be looking to capitalise on Barca and Atletico dropping two points apiece.
Los Blancos now sit just one point behind Barcelona and three adrift of Los Rojiblancos in the top spot.
And Zinedine Zidane’s host Sevilla in a pivotal match on Sunday night, with kick-off 8pm BST.
A win there could see them go top – or at least draw level on pooints with Atleti.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
