International striker Fernando Torres put the home side in front after 11 minutes when he brilliantly controlled Luciano Galleti's cross before tapping it low past the helpless Iker Casillas, marking his first ever goal in the Madrid derby.

Real sprung to life in the 26th minute when Emerson skipped from the right to set up Higuain, whose low drive was just tipped away for a corner by Atletico's keeper Leo Franco.

In the 36th minute, Raul played a beautiful chip over Leo Franco, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Galletti dribbled past Miguel Torres before forcing Casillas to a magnificent save on 40 minutes.

Jose Antonio Reyes swung a corner for Real, the ball fell to Fernando Gago after superb work from Michel Salgado, but the Argentine's crack was saved by his compatriot Franco.

In the second half, Real's Italian manager Fabio Capello tried to energize his ranks, by pulling Gago and Reyes out, and inserting Mahamadou Diarra and Antonio Cassano.

Cassano marked his return to the squad by setting up Higuain with a superb play, as the Argentine made no mistake to put the visitors back in the game in the 62nd minute.

World Footballer of the Year Fabio Cannavaro was sent off for his second yellow card after elbowing Torres in the 82nd minute.

Sergio Aguero could have given Atletico a last gasp winner but his powerful shot was once again saved by Spain's number 1, Casillas.

The draw leaves Atletico Madrid incapable of beating their city rivals since 1999.

Real Madrid have moved to third place with 44 points, a point ahead of Valencia who take on Nastic Terragona on Sunday.

Atletico Madrid remain fifth with 40 points, two ahead of Zaragoza.

Earlier on Sunday, Deportivo La Coruna edged past Real Sociedad with a 1-0 victory, courtesy of a first-half Angel Arizmendi goal.