Former Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao earned Rayo Vallecano a 1-1 draw against his old side in La Liga with a 92nd minute penalty on Tuesday.
Alvaro Morata's first-half strike seemed poised to help Atletico strengthen their grip on third place and keep close to leaders Real Madrid and Barcelona, but Rayo snatched a deserved draw.
Atletico deserved their first half lead but after the break the hosts had their backs to the wall at the Metropolitano and the pressure eventually told when Jose Gimenez handled in the box.
The Rojiblancos broke the deadlock in the 20th minute when Antoine Griezmann won the ball high up the pitch and crossed for his strike partner to finish consummately.
The France forward, who scored Atletico's winner against Athletic Bilbao at the weekend, was impressive again and seems to be returning to his best level.
Falcao, who played for Atletico between 2011-2013, slammed the penalty into the top corner, sending Grbic the wrong way.
Elsewhere Ernesto Valverde's Athletic, now sixth, were unable to pull themselves back into the top four as they drew 2-2 at Getafe.
Valencia captain Jose Gaya missed a late penalty amid a chaotic finale as Sevilla held the visitors to a 1-1 draw. The result leaves Sevilla provisionally 11th and Valencia in eighth.