Record champions Real Madrid were unable to take advantage of surprise team FC Girona’s slip-up in the Spanish football championship.
The team around former world champion Toni Kroos gave up victory late in the Madrid city duel in a 1-1 (1-0) draw against Atlético.
The Whites continue to lead the table with a two-point lead over Girona, but failed to extend their lead. The outsider played 0-0 against Real Sociedad San Sebastian on Saturday.
Next week there will be a direct duel between the two title favorites in Madrid. Third-place FC Barcelona is eight points behind Real after 23 games, while Atlético is ten points behind in fourth place.
Real have not lost in the league since the first leg against Atlético in September, but now played a weaker game and were punished late. Striker Brahim Diaz initially gave the hosts the lead (20th minute), but Marcos Llorente equalized late (90th + 3).
Coach Carlo Ancelotti played Kroos in the Royal midfield for over 90 minutes. The German international Antonio Rüdiger was missing from RB Leipzig’s upcoming Champions League opponent with a muscle injury.