Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema struck an 88th-minute equaliser to snatch a 1-1 draw at La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid on Sunday and keep his side in the title race.
Luis Suarez had put the hosts in charge in the 15th minute, producing an ice-cool finish to beat Thibaut Courtois after a lung-bursting run forward from his own half by midfielder Marcos Llorente.
The Uruguayan was denied a second goal later in the half by former Atletico keeper Courtois and early in the second period, while the Belgian also thwarted his compatriot Yannick Carrasco from point-blank range.
Benzema, who returned after missing Real’s last three matches through injury, was the champions’ focal point in attack and spurned three chances to score before equalising late on, playing a one-two with Casemiro to tap into the net.
An Atletico victory would have taken Diego Simeone’s side eight points clear of their city rivals but Benzema’s leveller means they lead third-placed Real by five points while Barcelona, in second, are three points behind.
Atletico can tighten their grip on top spot when they host Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, however.
Captain Koke rued the late equaliser after his side had bossed the game.
“We were superior to them but they can score against you at any moment,” he told reporters. “We brought fresh players on and tried to add to our lead but we were up against a great rival.
“We have never said the title race is over and we know it’s going to go down to the wire.”
“I think they were better in the first half and we were better in the second and this is a good point for us,” said Benzema. “The result means the title race is still on our minds.”
On Saturday, Barcelona continued their rampant run of domestic form to beat Osasuna 2-0 away from home, with Lionel Messi setting up goals scored by Jordi Alba and teenager Ilaix Moriba.
Messi helped Barca take the lead on the half-hour mark when he carved open Osasuna’s defence with a superb cross-field ball to Alba, who controlled before blasting into the roof of the net. He then laid the ball off when 18-year-old midfielder Ilaix struck in the 83rd minute, producing a confident finish for his first goal in only his third league appearance.
