Atletico Madrid drew 0-0 at Sevilla yesterday.
Diego Simeone's side were pinned back for much of the game and were fortunate to go into the break on level terms, although they improved in the second half and had a couple of chances to snatch a late winner.
The result sees Atletico drift five points behind second-placed Barcelona and seven behind Real Madrid.
"It was a very lively match. Both sides showed they are hard-working, both with their virtues and both trying to exploit them. In the second half we could have settled the game with two counter-attacks. I love the effort of the 22 on the pitch. I'm not mistaken when I say that Sevilla are going to be fighting for the European places," said Atletico coach Simeone.