Real Madrid once again failed to take advantage of a Barcelona slip-up as they were held to a goalless draw by derby rivals Atletico at the Bernabeu.

Julen Lopetegui had demanded an instant response from the midweek defeat at Sevilla, but Los Blancos failed to deliver.

Earlier in the day, Barcelona – who were stunned at Leganes on Wednesday – could only muster a 1-1 draw at home against Athletic Bilbao, which meant Real had the chance to move ahead at the top of the table.

However, the much-anticipated derby produced few clear-cut chances.

Goalkeepers Thibaut Courtois and Jan Oblak each made one key save in either half as both teams had to make do with a share of the spoils.

Gareth Bale was substituted at the break, reported to have picked up an injury, which could prove another setback for the Real forward.

Lopetegui’s men are level with Barcelona, while Atletico remain two points behind as all three clubs now turn their attention towards next week’s Champions League fixtures.

After a slow start to the match, Real captain Sergio Ramos needed treatment off the pitch following a clash of heads with Saul from a corner, but was soon back in the action.

Atletico beat the offside trap on 20 minutes to set Antoine Griezmann clear behind a high Real backline down the left.

The France forward looked to curl his shot into the corner, but Courtois was off his line quickly to make a fine reaction block – with his head.

At the other end, a floated free-kick from the right by Toni Kroos picked out Bale at the back post and the Wales forward flashed a volley across the face of goal which dropped just wide.

Courtois, who enjoyed a successful extended loan spell at Atletico earlier in his career at Chelsea, produced another good stop from midfielder Saul and then denied his former Blues team-mate Diego Costa.

Just before half-time, Atletico keeper Oblak carelessly sent a pass straight to Marco Asensio, but was then able to gather the follow-up shot.

Bale was replaced for the second half with midfielder Dani Ceballos coming on.

Casemiro sent a 20-yard effort over before the tempo of the match dropped as the hour mark approached.

Luka Modric, who earlier this week was named the Best FIFA Men’s Player for 2018, sent a long-range drive wide.

Real finally opened Atletico up on 67 minutes when Asensio latched onto Kroos’ through ball, but Oblak was quickly off his line to make an impressive block.

Atletico were failing to create a meaningful opportunity, with a shot from distance by full-back Filipe Luis summing up their efforts.

With five minutes left, Karim Benzema went down looking for a penalty, but the referee was not interested as the Madrid derby faded out into a stalemate.