Jose Mourinho's sixth attempt to claim a 90-minute victory over Barcelona ended the same way as the other five, but even though they trailed at one stage, they were the superior side in their 2-2 Spanish Supercup first leg draw against the best team in the world right now.
The Special One made what proved a shrewd decision to start with last season's regulars at the Bernabeu as a show of faith and they rewarded his trust, none more so than pre-season star Karim Benzema, who smartly set up Mesut Ozil for the opening goal.
Barcelona somehow led at the interval despite Real Madrid being the stronger side and barely letting the visitors out of their half early on courtesy of a moment of inspiration from David Villa and a slip from Pepe that allowed the previously quiet Lionel Messi to strike on the stroke of half-time.
Xabi Alonso levelled after the break and summer signings Fabio Coentrao and Jose Maria Callejon had a chance to shine, however there were no more goals and home fans will have ultimately been left unsure how to react. They outshone their rivals yet only drew, with Barcelona 1.95 favourites for Wednesday's return.
Indeed, Pep Guardiola's men looked as likely to nick it late on, with Real Madrid beginning to mirror the brutality shown in April's clashes as Barca gained momentum, but they were convincing enough in periods to be backed in to 2.06 for the title from 2.44 before kick-off, before drifting back out.
Barcelona, the 1.73 favourites to finish first, will be happy with the result on a rare occasion where their display failed to match it. Victor Valdes was arguably their top performer, with neither highly-rated youngster Thiago nor new arrival Alexis Sanchez truly seizing their opportunities to impress.
The Catalan club are 3.05 frontrunners to retain the Champions League, with Real Madrid next in line at 5.9.
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