Real Madrid are now four points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona with just two games remaining after a 2-2 draw with Valencia at the Bernabeu on Saturday.
From the penalty spot, Cristiano Ronaldo had the chance to cut the deficit to 2-1 late in the first period following Los Che goals from Paco Alcacer and Javi Fuego, but the Portuguese was denied by Diego Alves.
Pepe and Isco were both on the scoresheet for Real Madrid in the second period, but they could not find a winner and their title challenge now looks over for another season.
As it stands, this round of La Liga fixtures are the only confirmed matches in Spain's top flight before the end of the season. All Spanish football competitions will be suspended on May 16 amid a strike that relates to TV rights. The Spanish Football Federation are in a disagreement with the government, but there is hope that the situation will be rectified over the next week.
Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at how each player performed in Madrid.
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REAL MADRID
Goal
Iker Casillas: Was whistled after conceding the second goal, but the Spaniard was left incredibly isolated by his back four. Did not look a happy man when he left the field at the final whistle. (6/10)
Defence
Alvaro Arbeloa: Had a torrid first period - picking up a booking and struggling to deal with Valencia's threat in forward areas. Was replaced by Dani Carvajal at the interval. (5/10)
Pepe: Was at fault for both of Valencia's goals, with poor positioning playing a strong part. Did get his team back into the game, however, with a goal in the 56th minute. (6/10)
Sergio Ramos: Returned to centre-back following a spell in midfield, but the Spaniard was a little rash. Has had a brilliant season, but has had much better games than he did here. (6/10)
Fabio Coentrao: Was a surprise starter at left-back ahead of Marcelo and the Portuguese international really struggled with the pace of the match. Was also subbed at the interval. (5/10)
Midfield
Toni Kroos: Fired one over the crossbar in the first period, but only lasted 25 minutes after picking up what appeared to be a hamstring problem. Now a doubt for the rest of the season. (6/10)
Isco: A willing worker in defensive areas and came up with the goods in the 84th minute when he found the top corner from outside the box. One of Real Madrid's better players. (7/10)
James Rodriguez: Always willing to take control of the ball and delivered a number of dangerous set pieces - including the corner that brought Real Madrid's first goal. (7/10)
Attack
Gareth Bale: Hit the crossbar with a super free kick in the first period, but struggled to make his influence known in the second 45 minutes. Needed to do a lot more at the Bernabeu. (6/10)
Javier Hernandez: Worked ever-so hard in the final third and also hit the woodwork in the first period, in addition to bringing a couple of smart saves from Alves in the second half. (6/10)
Cristiano Ronaldo: Not a happy evening for the Portuguese, who rattled the crossbar from a header, in addition to missing from the penalty spot. Always involved, but not his night. (6/10)
Substitutes
Asier Illarramendi: Replaced Kroos in the 25th minute, but did not have too much of an impact. Fired a decent effort wide in the first period, but not too much more than that. (6/10)
Dani Carvajal: Certainly an upgrade on Arbeloa, who really struggled in the first period. Was bright in the final third, but the Spaniard's delivery was quite disappointing. (6/10)
Marcelo: Also entered at the interval as the two full-backs were swapped and the Brazilian played most of the second half as a left-winger. Left quite a lot of gaps defensively. (6/10)
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VALENCIA
Goal
Diego Alves: Had a stunning game. Denied Ronaldo from the penalty spot and made four or five absolutely wonderful saves. The best player on the pitch by a country mile. (9/10)
Defence
Antonio Barragan: Usually such a threat in the final third, but the Spaniard found it difficult to make his mark. Was fortunate to escape a yellow card for a couple of late challenges. (6/10)
Shkodran Mustafi Had a wonderful chance to score a third for Valencia in the first period, but the German headed over from close range. Some good defending and some bad defending at the other end. (6/10)
Nicolas Otamendi: Has been one of La Liga's best defenders this season and the Argentine was once again nice and solid here. Excellent in the air and made a number of smart blocks. (7/10)
Jose Gaya: Very bright going forward - setting up the opening goal and threatening on a number of occasions. However, was lucky not to be sent off after conceding a penalty while on a yellow. (6/10)
Midfield
Javi Fuego: Not a player who usually ventures forward, but the midfielder got his name on the scoresheet with a super header. Found it more difficult to make his mark in the second period. (7/10)
Andre Gomes: Has been one of Valencia's best players this season, but this was not up to the Portuguese's usual standards. Was sloppy in possession on too many occasions. (6/10)
Dani Parejo: Set up Valencia's second of the match with a super free kick and was always involved in the final third. Came close to adding to his 12 league goals for the season. (7/10)
Attack
Sofiane Feghouli: Provided plenty of energy and pace in wide areas, but the attacker's delivery was quite disappointing. Dropped deeper and deeper in the second 45 minutes. (6/10)
Paco Alcacer: Showed his predatory instincts to tap home Valencia's opener in the 19th minute and caused the Real Madrid defence a number of problems. Replaced by Alvaro Negredo late on. (7/10)
Pablo Piatti: Was in the wars on a couple of occasions and his influence, which was strong in the first half, wavered after the break. Nice and bright, but not too much end product. (6/10)
Substitutes
Alvaro Negredo: Had two golden chances in the 82nd minute, but missed the target on both occasions. A goal at that stage would surely have won it for Valencia. (5/10)
Rodrigo de Paul: Set up Negredo with an excellent ball for the Spaniard's first chance, while the youngster was a big threat on the counter attack in the latter stages. (6/10)
Lucas Orban: Replaced Piatti in the 90th minute and won a couple of crucial headers. (6/10)
Matt Law
