Atletico Madrid have held on to top spot in La Liga despite being held to a 1-1 draw by 10-man Malaga at the Vicente Calderon this evening.
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Thibaut Courtois had to be alert early on after fumbling a Samuel cross, but he was able to claim the ball at the second time of asking.
The hosts' best chance of the first half came in the 12th minute when Raul Garcia played the ball in for David Villa, but the striker's effort was kept out by the crossbar.
Malaga had a strong spell midway though the first half, resulting in chances for Vitorino Antunes and Nordin Amrabat, but the visitors could not break the deadlock.
Atletico had another opportunity to take the lead just before the break as Juanfran's delivery for Koke was turned wide from inside the penalty area.
The hosts made a bright start to the second half, resulting in another chance for Villa, created by Arda Turan, but Wilfredo Caballero was able to deny the Spanish international.
Malaga began to look dangerous again just after the hour mark when Roque Santa Cruz found himself through on goal, only to be denied by Courtois.
However, Atletico came under pressure again a couple of minutes later, when Samuel collected the ball from a Toby Alderweireld clearance before slotting it into an empty net after Courtois had come off his line moments earlier.
The defender made amends for his error 10 minutes later when he headed past Caballero from a corner to get the league leaders back on level terms.
Atletico had a chance to win it late on when Marcos Angeleri was sent off for a foul on Diego, earning him his second yellow card of the night.
However, Jose Sosa's free kick from the edge of the box went just high, brushing the roof of the net as it went behind.
With Barcelona being held to a draw, Adrian tried to seal the title for the hosts in stoppage time, but a fingertip save from Caballero ensured that the title will have to be decided next weekend at the Camp Nou.
Sian Cowper
