Atlético held at bay by Málaga

Club Atlético de Madrid missed the chance to cut FC Barcelona's Liga lead to single figures as they were held to a 0-0 draw at fourth-placed Málaga CF.

Barcelona are showing signs of wobbling after suffering a third loss in four games against Real Madrid CF on Saturday, but Atlético could only close within 11 points after a game of few chances at La Rosaleda. Rojiblancos striker Falcao went into the match having scored in his four previous outings in all competitions, but he was unable to extend that run and the visitors could have come away with a defeat when Weligton headed off target late on.

Also on Sunday, RCD Mallorca boosted their survival hopes with a 2-1 triumph at Granada CF, Tomer Hemed registering in the fourth minute of added time. That gave the 19th-placed side a first Liga win since 22 December and lifted them within four points of safety.

There was excitement too as Real Sociedad de Fútbol played out a 3-3 draw with Real Betis Balompié, the hosts going 3-2 up through a Xabier Prieto penalty on 62 minutes after falling 2-0 behind, only for Dorlan Pabón to notch his second goal for Betis four minutes later. The match between RCD Espanyol and Real Valladolid CF ended goalless, finally.