Barcelona dropped their first La Liga points of the season on Saturday after being held to a goalless draw at Osasuna, allowing Real Madrid to close the gap at the top of the table.
The Pamplona side, who are currently towards the bottom of the table, held firm to deny the Catalan giants in front of goal. It was the first time since January 2012 that Barcelona had failed to score in the league – a run stretching back 65 games to a goalless draw at Villarreal.
The draw also ended Barcelona’s 13-match winning streak in La Liga.
Andres Iniesta and Marc Bartra wasted good opportunities during a scrappy opening period, while Cesc Fabregas saw his effort sail over the bar in the best chance of the second half.
Second-placed Atletico Madrid slumped to their first defeat of the season, losing 1-0 at Espanyol, meaning the big winners from the weekend were Real Madrid, who moved to within three points of the top with a 2-0 success over Malaga.
Argentina winger Angel Di Maria put Real ahead just after half-time but Carlo Ancelotti’s side had to wait until the last minute before a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty sealed the victory.
The Portuguese converted after Gareth Bale was fouled by Malaga defender Weligton in the box, with the Welsh winger coming on as a substitute for the final 15 minutes of the game having recovered from a thigh injury. It was only his fourth appearance for Real Madrid since his record-breaking move over the summer.
This weekend’s results set up next week’s first El Clasico of the season nicely, with Barcelona hosting Real Madrid on Saturday.
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