Barcelona failed to take advantage of Real Madrid's slip at Deportivo La Coruna after they were held 2-2 by Almeria last night.

Bojan Krkic put Barca ahead before Pulido pulled the scores level before halftime. After the break, Samuel Eto'o had Barca ahead 2-1, only for Gaby Milito to be sent-off ahead of Kalu Uche's late equaliser.

The result leaves Barca seven points behind Real and coach Frank Rijkaard admitted afterwards: "It is a pity that we have conceded two goals from set plays. It is a question of discipline.

"The players know who they must mark, but the merit goes to the Almeria players for their good work. Normally, to score two away goals would have been sufficient.

"Almeria is very strong at home, with a quite direct and physically powerful game. It is a pity that they were able to level, but the 2-2 is just."

Rijkaard, however, insisted: "Not at any point did we think about the Real Madrid result. Although the players will be thinking about it now after conceding two goals. The frustration is there, but it will be only momentary."