Barcelona dropped points for only the fourth time this season in the Primera Division as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Levante at Cuidad de Valencia.
Levante went ahead in the 10th minute through Loukas Vyntra's headed goal but Barca were quickly back on level terms thanks to Gerard Pique's close-range header nine minutes later.
The hosts defended in numbers after that and frustrated their visitors, who now find themselves entrenched in a three-way battle for the title with the two Madrid clubs.
"The result isn't what we came here for nor was it what we deserved," said Barca coach Tata Martino. "We were not fortunate in front of goal.
"But there'll be many more surprises. I think the remaining 18 rounds of the season will show that."
