The Catalans had hoped to close to within three points of league leaders Real Madrid with a victory in Andalusia, but went behind on 37 minutes when their former youth player Diego Capel slid in at the far post to put the home side in front.

But Barcelona produced a spirited second-half comeback and equalised through Xavi with 15 minutes remaining.

Guille Franco struck deep into injury-time to give Villarreal a dramatic late 1-0 victory at Murcia and boost his side's hopes of earning a place in next season's Champions League.

Manuel Pellegrini's side had enjoyed the majority of the possession in a game of few chances and even less entertainment, but had been unable to break down a stubborn Murcia side until Franco popped up with the only goal of the match on 93 minutes.

Struggling Murcia remain in the relegation zone after the defeat.

Getafe substitute Ikechukwu Uche's second-half equaliser saved Mario Alvares' blushes in a 1-1 draw at Deportivo La Coruna.

Alvares had put the ball into his own goal just before half-time after earlier hitting a post, before Uche came off the bench to earn a point with 20 minutes to go.

The result extended Deportivo's unbeaten run to four games and helps them climb further away from the relegation zone, while Getafe moved up to 11th in advance of Sunday's games.