Barcelona blew their chance to take the advantage in the title race after being held 0-0 at Elche. The results mean Barca and Atletico will face each other at the Nou Camp in a Primera Division title showdown next Sunday, with only a win enough for Gerardo Martino's side to claim the league honours.
Atletico lead Barca by three points following the two draws on Sunday but victory for Barca would give them their 23rd Liga crown on head-to-head record, having drawn with Atleti earlier in the season.
Martino said: "It wasn't what we wanted, but we're pleased with the point given the results from the other games (Atlético and Real Madrid); the most important thing is to get to the end of the season with a chance of winning the title."
