Real Madrid's La Liga title challenge all but ended this evening following a 1-1 draw with Real Valladolid at the Jose Zorrilla.

Sergio Ramos's first-half free kick appeared to be enough to claim all the points for Los Blancos.

However, a late header from Humberto Osorio secured a share of the spoils for Valladolid, who have moved out of the relegation zone.

Madrid can still mathematically win the title, but are four points behind leaders Atletico Madrid with just two games remaining.

Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two La Liga rivals.

Match statistics

Valladolid
Shots: 6
On target: 1
Possession: 38%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 17

Madrid
Shots: 21
On target: 3
Possession: 62%
Corners: 9
Fouls: 8

Was the result fair?

It is difficult to say. Madrid were far from their best this evening, but did restrict Valladolid to few clear opportunities. The statistics show that the visitors had 21 attempts at the Jose Zorrilla, but managed just three shots on target in what was a disappointing performance. Valladolid faded after a bright start, but did come good in the latter stages and will feel that their pressure late on deserved to bring a goal. Had Madrid scored a second this evening, it would have been extremely difficult to see Valladolid responding. However, at 1-0, the home side always had a chance.

Valladolid's performance

Despite their lowly position in the table, Valladolid have not lost at home in the league since November and have suffered just three home defeats all season. Los Blancos have enjoyed their trips to the Jose Zorrilla in recent seasons, but that was not the case this evening. Juan Ignacio Martinez's side should have been ahead inside five minutes when Javi Guerra met a cross from Carlos Pena, but his header just whistled wide of the post. Ramos's free kick in the latter stages of the half certainly knocked their confidence, but they always offered the impression that they could create opportunities, especially from wide positions. As it turned out, their only attempt on target brought their goal, but it does not tell the whole story, with Guerra having another effort just drop wide of the post in the second period. It was also an impressive defensive performance from Valladolid, with Madrid really struggling to break through in the final third. Their point this evening has moved them out of the relegation zone into 16th position.

Madrid's performance

Madrid will argue that their domination in terms of chances created meant that they deserved to take all the points this evening. However, in truth, it was a really lacklustre performance from the Champions League finalists. Cristiano Ronaldo was forced to leave the field in the early exchanges with a hamstring injury and his replacement, Alvaro Morata, really struggled to fit into the front three alongside Karim Benzema and Angel di Maria. A stunning free kick from Ramos gave Madrid the lead, but they really needed the second to be comfortable as the pressure increased late on. Los Blancos were also without the services of Gareth Bale and as a result, really lacked that explosive pace in the final third. They had plenty of the ball in the final third this evening, but too often failed to find that final pass, with Isco and Luka Modric also struggling to find their best form. It was little over a week ago that they booked their spot in the Champions League final, but they have really struggled in the league since then, drawing at home to Valencia and now on the road to Valladolid. Should Atletico beat Malaga at the Vicente Calderon on Sunday, their title challenge will be mathematically over.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Sergio Ramos: If there was one player that deserved to be on the winning team this evening, it was Ramos. The Madrid centre-back handed his side the lead in the latter stages of the first period when he bent a brilliant free kick into the top corner, while he was also terrific in defensive areas, especially in the air. The Spanish international still has his doubters, but has come to the forefront in recent weeks, scoring four times in his last three games and putting in a number of towering performances at the heart of the back four.

Biggest gaffe

Valladolid will certainly be happy with their point this evening, but it could have been more in the latter stages had Zakarya Bergdich taken more care in possession. With Madrid pushing for a winner in the closing stages, the midfielder picked up the ball inside the away side's half before leading a three-on-one counter against Pepe. The 25-year-old had options to either side, but took too long and allowed Madrid's Portuguese defender the chance to clear.

Referee performance

One thing is for certain, it was an extremely busy night for referee Jesus Gil. The Spaniard issued eight yellow cards this evening, with both sides seeing four names enter the book. There were times when tensions threatened to boil over between both sets of players, but the Spaniard was on hand to calm proceedings whenever necessary. Gil was also prepared to let the play flow in the correct areas and dealt impressively with what was a difficult match to officiate. Neither manager will have had any complaints about his performance.

What next?

Valladolid: Valladolid will continue their fight for survival when they travel to already-relegated Real Betis on Sunday.

Madrid: Madrid, meanwhile, are on the road to Celta Vigo on Sunday.