La Liga's two tightest defenses served up a 0-0 stalemate at the Vicente Calderon, where Atletico and Villarreal could find no way through.
Atletico Madrid was held to a 0-0 draw by Villarreal on Sunday to hand further initiative to league leader Barcelona in La Liga's title race.
Following a hard-fought 2-1 win at struggling Las Palmas on Saturday, defending champion Barca was able to enjoy Real Madrid being held 1-1 at Malaga before Atleti was unable to pull clear of its city rival in second.
Antoine Griezmann wasted the home side's clearest opening and was substituted during a feisty encounter at the Vicente Calderon that leaves Diego Simeone's team eight points behind Barcelona with 13 matches remaining this season.