MADRID, Feb 18 — La Liga leaders Real Madrid were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw at lowly city rivals Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, a result that could help spice up the title race with surprise contenders Girona.

Forward Joselu gave Real Madrid the lead with a close range strike from a counter attack in the third minute but Raul de Tomas levelled with a penalty in the 27th after VAR spotted an Eduardo Camavinga handball.