MADRID (AFP) ― Cristiano Ronaldo was sent-off as Real Madrid lost ground in the La Liga title race with a 1-1 draw away to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

Atletico Madrid became outright leaders for the first time since their double winning season in 1996 earlier in the day with a 4-0 win over Real Sociedad on Sunday.

The draw moves Real level with Barcelona, who suffered a shock defeat at home to Valencia on Saturday, three points behind Atletico.

It could have been so much better for Madrid as after a difficult opening 45 minutes, Jese Rodriguez looked to have them on the road to a 11th consecutive victory when he prodded home Ronaldo’s cross 25 minutes from time.

However, after Ibai Gomez had spectacularly equalized, Ronaldo was shown a soft red card for lashing out at Carlos Gurpegi.

“I think it is difficult for me to judge because I wasn’t there but the images show that it was an exaggerated reaction,” Real boss Carlo Ancelotti said about Ronaldo’s red card.

“It could have been different because we scored first and then controlled the game well.

“Bilbao scored a fantastic goal, but, in general, I personally am satisfied with how Real Madrid played.”

England

LONDON (AP) ― In the Premier League’s top-four shuffle, it’s Arsenal leading the way again ― for now.

After slipping from the summit during the week, the Gunners overcame struggling Crystal Palace 2-0 on Sunday thanks to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s second-half brace.

Now the focus turns to Monday night when Manchester City, which is two points behind Arsenal, hosts Chelsea, which is three points further back in third.

Liverpool remained in fourth place, but its 1-1 draw at West Bromwich Albion was a missed opportunity to strengthen its pursuit of Champions League qualification.

Having led through Daniel Sturridge, Liverpool defender Kolo Toure sloppily gave the ball away to allow Victor Anicheb to equalize for West Brom.