Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen were both held to draws in the Bundesliga on Sunday.
The two sides – placed second and third respectively – slipped further out of contention in the title race, which is led comprehensively by table-toppers Bayern Munich, who are now 17 points clear of Dortmund.
Dortmund's match at Borussia Moenchengladbach ended in a 1-1 draw.
The visitors – who were without top scorer Robert Lewandowski – made a bright start with Kevin Grosskeutz going close to opening the scoring.
Moritz Leitner also had a good effort, which forced Moenchengladbach goalkeeper Marco-Andre ter Stegen into a smart save.
And Juergen Klopp's side took a deserved lead on 31 minutes after Mario Goetze was tripped by ter Stegen in the penalty area.
The attacker dusted himself off before emphatically thrashing the spot-kick home to the delight of the travelling fans.
Mats Hummels and Ilkay Gundogan both missed chances before the break for Dortmund while a weak clearance from substitute Felipe Santana handed the hosts their best chance.
Amin Younes was unable to take advantage, volleying straight at Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller, but it was a warning sign for the reigning champions.
Harvard Nordtveit forced Weidenfeller to tip his effort over the bar while Martin Stranzl wasted a good chance when he planted a free header straight at the shot-stopper.
But Moenchengladbach got the goal their fightback deserved as the 19-year-old Younes scored his first Bundesliga goal.
Oscar Wendt's cross was only half cleared and Younes made the most of the chance, firing home from the edge of the area, with the help of a slight deflection from Santana.
Goetze had a pair of opportunities to put Dortmund in front but could not convert while, at the other end, substitute Peniel Kokou Mlapa rounded Weidenfeller, only to shoot into the side netting.
Sebastian Kehl had the last chance to win it for Dortmund but his effort went well over the bar, with both sides claiming a point from an entertaining encounter.
The day's other match saw Leverkusen play out a goalless draw with bottom-placed Greuther Furth.
Getting a point was a good result for lowly Greuther, but they are still to taste victory at home this season in 11 attempts.
