LaLiga leaders Real Madrid dropped two points in a 1-1 draw at Osasuna Saturday in which Jude Bellingham was sent off.
The Spanish champions took the lead through Kylian Mbappe before the referee expelled England international Bellingham for dissent towards the end of the first half.
Ante Budimir levelled for hosts Osasuna from the penalty spot after 58 minutes as Carlo Ancelotti's side endured a third consecutive league match without victory.
Atletico Madrid, second and one point behind the leaders, hosted Celta Vigo in a 1-1 draw later Saturday, while third-place Barcelona welcome Rayo Vallecano Monday.
Bellingham insisted he was expressing his frustration and not insulting the referee.
"It's difficult when a referee isn't sure, to determine that I've said something that I haven't, and as a result it kind of hinders the team," Bellingham told reporters.
"I think you can see clearly in the video, I remember the incident very well, it was an expression to myself.
"I'm not even directing myself towards the referee, but obviously there was a misunderstanding. He's believed that I've said (something insulting) to him...
"There was no intent to insult him, there was no insult, and for that reason I think you can see there was a misunderstanding."
Real coach Carlo Ancelotti said he was happy with how Madrid played despite dropping points.
"In a footballing sense we started very well, and we finished well despite having one less player," said Ancelotti.
The Italian made a few rotations with the midweek Champions League play-off second leg clash against Manchester City in mind, with Rodrygo Goes resting and Brahim Diaz given a rare start.
Los Blancos controlled the game from the off, moving the ball around too quickly for Osasuna to get a foothold.
Vinicius Junior appealed for an early penalty when Alejandro Catena slid in to dispossess him and the ball struck the defender's arm.
The Brazilian winger should have put the champions ahead when Mbappe crossed for him, but misjudged the flight of the ball and headed wide from close range.
Real did not have to wait long for their opener and Fede Valverde created it with a low cross for Mbappe, who produced a clinical finish.
It was the in-form French forward's seventh goal in his last five LaLiga matches.
Osasuna threatened just once in the first half, with a low drive from Aimar Oroz, which Thibaut Courtois superbly pushed to safety.
Vinicius spurned another golden opportunity when Mbappe teed him up, before Bellingham was dismissed in the 39th minute.
The England international exchanged words with referee Jose Munuera Montero, who then reached for his red card.
Ancelotti said Bellingham should not have been dismissed.
"I think with Bellingham's red card (the referee) didn't understand the English well...I don't think it's something offensive," Ancelotti told reporters.
"I think the red card came out because the referee was nervous...Bellingham did nothing to have been sent off, absolutely nothing."
Real have complained heavily about Spanish refereeing in recent weeks, labelling it "rigged" and they grew further frustrated with Munuera Montero in the second half.
Osasuna levelled before the hour mark through Budimir from the spot after Eduardo Camavinga was late on the Croatian striker.
Budimir had already shot wide of the post when the French midfielder clattered into the forward, similar to the penalty Aurelien Tchouameni conceded in Real's derby draw with Atletico last weekend.
Budimir's penalty was his 13th goal of the season, behind only Barca's Robert Lewandowski and Mbappe, on 17, in the standings.
Mbappe came close to scoring a second but fired narrowly over and Vinicius had an effort deflected wide after a dangerous incursion from the left.
Real pushed for a winner despite the numerical disadvantage, knowing the title rivals are breathing down their necks.
Mbappe had one last chance in stoppage time but Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera palmed away his effort with a strong hand.
After playing for nearly an hour with 10 men, City will hope it takes a toll on Real Wednesday when the sides meet at Santiago Bernabeu.
RESULTS
Villarreal 1 (Gueye 32) Valencia 1 (Sadiq 84)
Atletico 1 (Sorloth 81) Celta 1 (Aspas 68-P)
Leganes 3 (Raba 10-P, 37-P, Munir 88) Alaves 3 (Garcia 25, Jordan 50-P, 68)
Osasuna 1 (Budimir 58-P) Real Madrid 1 (Mbappe 15)
Friday
Girona 1 (Herrera 54) Getafe 2 (Uche 3, Mayoral 62)
