Real Madrid dropped two points against Espanyol that allowed Barcelona to celebrate the La Liga title with three games still to play.
The Blaugrana will be given the traditional guard of honour for the champions by Atletico de Madrid at the Vicente Calderon after Los Blancos failed to find a winning goal in the second half.
Stuani gave Los Periquitos the lead in the 22nd minute with an easy shot after Real’s defence failed to clear a corner.
Jose Mourinho’s side had an eye on the Copa del Rey final and that allowed Espanyol to dominate in the first minutes.
Stuani should have given their team a second goal after he met a pass from Verdu, but Diego Lopez cleared the chance with a good save.
Madrid kept on struggling, but the worst news for them had come earlier, when Raphael Varane left the field injured. He is reported to have damaged his meniscus and will be tested to get a further diagnosis.
In the second half, with Los Blancos still in trouble, Mourinho brought on Cristiano Ronaldo and Real changed drastically.
Higuain eventually drew the sides level when his header hit the back of the net after a cross from Modric in the 58th minute. The goal encouraged Los Merengues who got the total control of the match.
But the failed to find a goal that would give them the victory and ended their challenge for the title. Now, they look at the Copa del Rey final as their chance to save the season.
