Kylian Mbappé scored a second-half penalty to rescue Real Madrid from defeat in a 1-1 draw against Girona on Sunday, but the point meant they failed to overtake Barcelona for the top spot in La Liga.
The French striker leveled the score in the 67th minute after Vinicius Jr was fouled in the box.
The goal was Mbappé’s 23rd in 19 matches this season.
Third-from-bottom Girona had led since the 45th minute, thanks to a strike from Azzedine Ounahi.
Madrid struggled with a sluggish first half and could not find a winner despite an improved second period.
The draw confirms a recent dip in form for Xabi Alonso’s side, who have now won just one of their past five games in all competitions.
Real Madrid remain second, one point behind league leaders Barcelona.
