Radamel Falcao denied Atletico Madrid the three points at home to an impressive Rayo Vallecano side.

The 1-1 draw was a fair reflection of an entertaining game in Madrid, but Los Colchoneros will be frustrated at the missed opportunity to make up ground in the title race.

Atleti deservedly led at half time and it was the impressive Antoine Griezmann who made it happen. After doing well to win the ball high up the pitch, he hit an early right-footed cross which was laid on a plate for Alvaro Morata to steer home.

In the second-half, Andoni Iraola's side, spurred on by the creativity of Isi Palazon, didn't stop trying to find the equaliser and continued to ask questions. Their persistence paid off late on when a VAR check led to a penalty for a handball by Jose Maria Gimenez.

Up stepped Falcao against his former club. A stuttered run-up, an emphatic finish into the roof of the net, delirium in the away end, but no celebration from the striker.