Barcelona 0 – Getafe 0: The Catalans’ frustrating draw offers Atletico Madrid a title boost.

Following last weekend’s 1-1 derby draw at Espanyol, leaders Barcelona were unable to return to winning ways against Getafe.

For the first time since the April 2012 El Clasico against Real Madrid, Barcelona failed to register a shot on target during the first half of a home game in La Liga, although Luis Suarez did have a brilliant volley ruled out for offside. Ernesto Valverde’s side shifted gears in the second half but it was not enough to breach some stubborn resistance from Pepe Bordalas’ visitors.

Meanwhile Atletico Madrid, who picked up a third consecutive victory at Malaga on Saturday, have cut Barcelona’s advantage at the top to seven points.  If Diego Simeone’s men can continue this run before the teams meet at Camp Nou on March 4, La Liga might just have a title race as opposed to a procession this season.

Vincente Guaita, the Getafe keeper did not have much to do in the first half but pulled off three impressive saves in the second, from Coutinho, Messi and Suarez to ensure his side came away with a deserved point.

Barcelona have a week off with no UCL action and will travel to Eibar next Sunday for their La Liga clash, while Getafe will host Celta Vigo on the following Monday.