Real have struggled to match the heights they hit on the way to the league title last season, and dropped more points in the stalemate at Estadio El Sadar, where Jose Mourinho's team finished a man down following the dismissal of Kaka in the 76th minute.

With third-placed Real already 15 points behind Barcelona, the league leaders have an opportunity to increase the margin when they go away to Malaga on Sunday.

In other matches on Saturday, a second-half brace from Roberto Soldado helped Valencia defeat Sevilla 2-0 at home.

Late goals from Oscar Gonzalez and Patrick Ebert saw Valladolid snatch a 3-1 win at home to Mallorca, who had looked on course to claim a point from their visit to Estadio Nuevo Jose Zorrilla.

Finally, Sergio Garcia's goal was enough for Espanyol to beat fellow strugglers Celta Vigo 1-0 at home.