Madrid fail to fully capitalise on Atlético slip

Club Atlético de Madrid's title ambitions suffered a major dent as they slipped to a shock 2-0 defeat at Levante UD, though Real Madrid CF could not make the most of the opportunity.

Diego Simeone's men arrived in Valencia with confidence high following Wednesday's victory at Stamford Bridge, but they were soon brought back down to earth as the unwitting Filipe Luis diverted Pape Diop's low corner into his own net. Atlético made much of the running thereafter, a double change at the break adding fresh impetus, yet it was Levante who struck next, David Barral making it 2-0 from close range on 69 minutes.

Atlético frustrations continued when Adrián López clipped the upright, and the capital side's first defeat in 16 outings will leave Madrid and FC Barcelona, who drew 2-2 with Getafe CF on Saturday, hoping the leaders can still be caught. Madrid could not capitalise in Sunday's late game, though, and were indebted to Cristiano Ronaldo's late goal for earning a share of the spoils at home to Valencia CF.

The visitors had twice led, with ex-Madrid man Daniel Parejo restoring the lead having earlier set up Jérémy Mathieu (he also hit the woodwork). Sergio Ramos made it 1-1, his fourth goal in nine days, and Ronaldo claimed a point. The title race remains in the Rojiblancos' hands, though – win their two remaining games and, by dint of their superior head-to-head record over Madrid, they will be champions.

At the other end of the table, UD Almería also took control of their own destiny with a second successive victory. It could so nearly have been ruinous defeat, however, as they were down to ten men and trailing relegated Real Betis Balompié 2-1 with 13 minutes left. Aleix Vidal Parreu equalised, paving the way for Ramón Azeez's crucial 94th-minute winner.

The game between seventh-placed Villarreal CF and UEFA Europa League finalists Sevilla FC, in fifth, ended 0-0.