Real Madrid held on for a goalless draw at Barcelona on Saturday in a fast and furious Spanish league match that was held up in the second half after Luis Figo was pelted with objects from the crowd.
Real, missing Ronaldo because of a bout of 'flu and Zinedine Zidane with a bad back, found themselves on the rack as the match moved towards the final 20 minutes, with Barcelona creating repeated chances.
The home side lost their rhythm, though, when the game was halted with Figo, playing his second match at the Nou Camp since his bitterly-felt $56 million transfer to Real two years ago, being bombarded with plastic bottles, amongst other items.
Barca, who had a goal disallowed early in the second half, took time to get going again after the restart and although they came close to a winner several times Real held firm. Real were thus unable to claim their first league win at Barcelona since 1983, but the damage in terms of their league position was limited thanks to results elsewhere.
Leaders Real Sociedad were also held to a goalless draw at Rayo Vallecano, while Deportivo Coruna could only draw 1-1 at Sevilla.
After 11 games, Sociedad lead the standings on 23 points, two clear of Real Mallorca in second.
Valencia are third on 18 points, ahead of Real Madrid and Deportivo on goal difference.