ATLETICO MADRID failed to take advantage of the El Clasico stalemate after being held to a 0-0 draw by Espanyol.
Title rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid played out a 1-1 draw at the Nou Camp earlier on Saturday but Atletico could not close the gap in the race for top spot.
Diego Simeone cut a frustrated figure on the sidelines despite sending out a strong team at the Vicente Calderon.
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Antoine Griezmann and Kevin Gameiro both started in attack but the French duo failed to find the back of the net as Espanyol put on a defensive masterclass.
Jan Oblak was forced into a couple of great saves as Griezmann wasted a number of chances up the end of the pitch.
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The result leaves Atletico in fourth place, three points behind Barca and a whole nine behind Real.
And it could get worse for the capital club tomorrow night, with Real Sociedad set to leapfrog them into the final Champions League spot if they can win against Deportivo at the Estadio Riazor.
Atletico Madrid (4-4-2): Oblak; Juanfran, Godin, Gimenez, Luis; Koke, Tiago (Gaitan), Gabi, Carrasco (Correa); Griezmann, Gameiro (Saul)
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