Real Madrid’s hopes of prevailing in the derby were dented yesterday as Antoine Griezmann grabbed an 85th-minute equaliser for city rivals Atletico Madrid in a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu.

Pepe opened the scoring for Real with a looping header in the 52nd minute and it looked like the hosts would earn the victory that would have moved them five clear of Barcelona at the top of La Liga.

But Griezmann’s equaliser ensured that the gap remained three points with Barcelona failing to grab the chance and go back top on goal difference following a shock 2-0 defeat at Malaga in the late kick-off.

The Catalans, who had Neymar sent off, have also played a game more than Real.

Fernando Torres had missed a one-on-one chance for Atletico as they sought their equaliser but eventually grabbed the point when Angel Correa put in Griezmann with a sharp pass and the Frenchman finished expertly.

The first half had been a tense affair, with both teams playing patiently and carving out a couple of opportunities to take the lead.

Saul Niguez had the first chance, heading Koke’s free-kick inches wide, before Yannick Carrasco crossed for Griezmann, who hit the post only to be ruled offside.

At the other end, Atletico goalkeeper Oblak made a save to deny Cristiano Ronaldo, then a brilliant one to keep out a Karim Benzema strike.