Despite the draw, Barca are still at the top of the local standings with 68 points, 13 ahead of second-place Osasuna. Malaga remained 20th on 23.

Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard fielded a mixed line up, opting to rest starters like Ronaldinho, Deco and captain Carles Puyol before Benfica game in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto'o could have snatched the victory late in the second-half but his close-range effort hit the woodwork.

Later on Saturday, Real Betis edged Champions League side Villarreal 2-1 thanks to a brace from Brazilian striker Robert.

Third-place Real Madrid will play Deportivo Corona in La Liga on Sunday.