Atletico Madrid have missed the chance to move six points clear at the summit of La Liga courtesy of a 2-0 defeat away to Levante this afternoon.
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Diego Simeone's side, who were vying for their 10th successive league win, slumped to their first loss since February as a Filipe Luis own goal and a David Barral strike dented their title bid.
The hosts took the lead in somewhat fortuitous circumstances through an own goal from Luis, who diverted the ball into his own net as keeper Thibaut Courtois saw himself beaten for the first time in the league since March.
Atletico could, and perhaps should, have levelled matters midway through the first half as Raul Garcia saw his shot saved by Keilor Navas at point-blank range before David Villa sent the rebound over the bar.
As the minutes increased so did the visitors' hunger to equalise as Loukas Vyntra cleared off the line from Luis, while the usually lethal Diego Costa fired a Gabi cross narrowly wide of the post.
The hosts absorbed the pressure before Joaquin Caparros's side then doubled their advantage against the run of play, as Barral slotted beyond Courtois with 20 minutes remaining.
Adrian Lopez came within the width of the woodwork of reducing the arrears, only to watch his curling effort strike the post as Simeone's men missed the opportunity to claim one of the two wins necessary to clinch the title.
Consequently, the Rojiblancos remain three points clear of Barcelona - who they face at Camp Nou on the final day - and six ahead of local rivals Real Madrid, who have two games in hand.
Shane Callaghan
