Despite Real Madrid's best efforts to net a winner on Wednesday, El Clasico ended without a goal for the first time in 17 years.

El Clasico hadn't finished goalless since November 2002, a run of 50 matches across all competitions.

Madrid overawed Barcelona at the Camp Nou but failed to capitalize on a myriad of opportunities.

The hosts were under pressure throughout the first half. Gerard Pique kept the score level with a desperate clearance off the goal line midway through the opening stanza. Minutes later, Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos returned the favor with a clearance of his own at the other end of the pitch.

There was a moment of controversy when Ivan Rakitic - who supplanted Sergio Busquets in Ernesto Valverde's lineup - appeared to haul down Raphael Varane in the area. VAR didn't intervene.

Los Blancos, however, kept on probing for openings, lacing shots from varying distances. Casemiro and midfield partner Federico Valverde each fired attempts from about 25 yards, but Marc-Andre ter Stegen handled both of them.

Barcelona found their footing after the interval and should have taken the lead in the 60th minute. Instead, Lionel Messi flubbed a golden opportunity in front of goal.

In the 71st minute, Gareth Bale thought he had scored the decisive goal, but VAR determined Ferland Mendy was offside in the buildup.