REAL MADRID squandered two potentially crucial points in their title battle with Barcelona when they had to come from behind to secure a 1-1 draw at bottom side Almeria as La Liga reached the halfway stage last night.

Barcelona took full advantage hammering Malaga 4-1 at Camp Nou in the evening match with goals from Andres Iniesta, David Villa (2) and Pedro to establish a four-point lead. Duda got a consolation for Malaga.

Real coach Jose Mourinho started at Almeria with Karim Benzema on the bench and La Liga top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo in the strikers role.

The Portuguese forward failed to convert several clear chances before the home side grabbed a surprise lead on the hour.

The ball broke to Jose Leonardo Ulloa after Pablo Piattis fine run and the Argentine striker swept it past Iker Casillas from the edge of the penalty area.

Substitute Esteban Granero smashed in the equaliser with around 15 minutes left and Ronaldo thundered a freekick against the crossbar in added time but Almeria held firm for a point.

Late winners from Lazio, Juventus and AS Roma kept the fortunate trio on the tail of Serie A leaders AC Milan yesterday with offside calls and deflections all going their way.

Milan slipped up themselves last night when, having taken the lead through Zlatan Ibrahimovic, they conceded a late equaliser to Lecce’s Ruben Olivera.

Lazio moved up to joint-second thanks to substitute Libor Kozaks header six minutes from time in a 1-0 home win over Sampdoria. Czech striker Kozak looked just ahead of the last defender as a free kick was swung into the box.

Lazio went level with Napoli after Walter Mazzarris side could only draw 0-0 with Fiorentina on Saturday. Fourth-placed Romas 89th minute goal in the 1-0 win at Cesena could have been chalked off too with Adriano appearing half a step in front of the defenders.