Real Madrid struggled to get past a stubborn Girona on Sunday evening after playing to a 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Aurelien Tchouameni made way for Eduardo Camavinga and ex-Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger replaced Eder Militao as the two changes provided by Madrid.
It was a fast opening from the host where a thumping shot from Rodrygo on the cusp of the six-yard area brought a tremendous save from Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga.
Real were under pressure a little later and conceded an opening when Valery Fernandez headed a decent ball in the area from a good initiative by Arnau Martinez wide.
Although, Los Blancos enjoyed the clearer threats midway in the first half as Rodrygo worked an angle inside the box and slammed a first-time effort against the upright.
Girona continued to keep the reigning champions at bay and in fact almost had the lead when Yangel Herrera met a floating ball from Fernandez seven minutes to halftime and fired against the woodwork.
With no changes at halftime, Girona had the first sight on goal again a little later and were very close to the breakthrough when a diving header from Arnau off a ball in rolled wide.
Madrid regained confidence around the closing 20 minutes and went ahead when Vinicius Junior attacked a floating ball from the right and volleyed in from close-range.
Los Blancos were in quick search of a second and a spectacular stop from Gazzaniga parried a half-volley on the turn by Marco Asensio as the visitors struggled to hold their lines.
Girona bounced back inside the closing ten minutes when Cristhian Stuani send Thibaut Courtois the wrong way from the penalty spot as Asensio was flagged for handling in the area by the review team.
As Militao came on for Ferland Mendy, the host were down to ten players with Toni Kroos shown a second yellow just after Rodrygo had a point-blank strike ruled out for a foul on Gazzaniga.
The two sides in the end settled for a point apiece, with Madrid's lead at the top of the table reduced to just a point.
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