Shock title challengers Girona dropped two vital points in LaLiga with a 0-0 draw against Real Sociedad Saturday.
Barcelona, third, earned a 3-1 win at Alaves with Brazilian teenager Vitor Roque scoring and then sent off in a lively appearance off the bench.
Catalan minnows Girona, second and now trailing leaders Real Madrid by one point, could not find a way through against their Basque visitors.
Los Blancos face city rivals Atletico Madrid Sunday at Santiago Bernabeu and can potentially move four points clear at the top.
Girona's draw leaves them six points ahead of champions Barca, third, and they were left upset after Yangel Herrera had a goal ruled out for offside in the build-up.
The offside against Savinho occurred 36 seconds before the midfielder found the net, set up by the Brazilian winger, with Girona arguing Video Assistant Referee should not have intervened.
Some crosses had been half-cleared by Sociedad before Savinho scooped the ball to the back post for Herrera.
"The reality is that if there's a second, third phases (of play), VAR should not get involved, I think it's obvious," said Michel.
"Beyond the goal ruled out, I think it was a very, very difficult game...and it's a good point."
Despite leading the league in goals scored, Michel Sanchez's side were largely kept at arm's length by La Real.
After Herrera's goal was disallowed, Sociedad's Mikel Oyarzabal also had one chalked off for a clearer offside infringement.
Alex Remiro made a solid save to deny Herrera in the final stages as the hosts were frustrated and Michel was sent off for complaining on the touchline.
Valery Fernandez missed a fine chance in stoppage time after Yan Couto scrapped hard to win the ball back and crossed for the Spanish winger.
Without LaLiga's joint top goalscorer Artem Dovbyk, who watched from the stands after suffering knee discomfort according to Spanish reports, Girona did not shine in attack.
They will have the chance to make amends next weekend when they visit Real in a crunch showdown.
However coach Michel will not be in the dugout, while Herrera and Daley Blind were both booked and are also suspended for the key clash.
"I don't like that they sent me off, I protested, it's true, but I didn't lack respect for anyone," said Michel.
"The red card leaves me furious."
Champions Barca took the lead against Alaves through Robert Lewandowski in the first half and doubled their advantage when Ilkay Gundogan volleyed home soon after the break.
Samu Omorodion pulled a goal back for the hosts before 18-year old striker Roque pounced and a few minutes later was harshly dismissed.
Barca's victory helps them cut the gap on league leaders Real to seven points.
They have won both of their matches since Xavi Hernandez announced last weekend he would leave the club at the end of the season.
Xavi selected Andreas Christensen in defensive midfield for the first time in his Barca career, with the Catalans still unable to find a reliable replacement for Sergio Busquets.
The Danish defender was solid and showed Xavi he is an option for the future in the role.
"He was comfortable, aggressive, didn't lose the ball, kept his eyes open - we were good on transitions, he gave us discipline," Xavi told reporters.
Roque, who arrived in the January transfer window from Brazilian side Athletico Paranaense, was on the pitch less than 15 minutes after he was shown two yellow cards.
The second was for an innocuous challenge on Rafa Marin, but there was no video review as VAR cannot ask officials to check second yellow card incidents.
Barca coach Xavi said Friday LaLiga was "completely adulterated" by rivals Real because of heavy criticism towards officials broadcast on the club's television channel.
Real coach Carlo Ancelotti dismissed Xavi's words as "unprofessional" but Roque's red card will only add more fuel to the flames.
"We will appeal it because it's clear that it's an error, it's another error from the referee towards us," Xavi told DAZN.
"Evidently it's an unfair red card."
RESULTS
Valencia 2 (Duro 14, Yaremchuk 23) Almeria 1 (Arribas 50)
Granada 1 (Mendez 43) Las Palmas 1 (Pejino 68)
Alaves 1 (Omorodion 51) Barcelona 3 (Lewandowski 22, Gundogan 49, Roque 63)
Girona 0 Sociedad 0
Friday
Athletic 4 (Berchiche 3, 16, Guruzeta 63, Muniain 89) Mallorca 0