With fulltime looming, Ronaldo latched on to a cross by teammate Angel di Maria and with his back to the goal, volleyed it into the net with his heel.
League leaders Atletico Madrid's 2-0 defeat away at Levante, in a game overshadowed by fresh claims of racism at a Spanish game, leaves the fellow Madristas needing just four points from their last two games to win the Spanish title for the first time in 18 years.
Despite the disappointment, Real Madrid's manager Carlo Ancelotti did still take time to marvel at Ronaldo's backheeled finish deep into stoppage time to register his 50th goal of the season.
"It was a great goal and a very important goal one because to lose this game meant losing the league and the goal at least gives us a chance until the end.
"We have lost an opportunity today, but not a huge one because winning today meant Atletico had to win both games. As it is they still have to get four, including a draw at Barcelona."
Ironically, Ronaldo's equaliser may also prove to be good news for Atletico as it prevented Barcelona having the chance to win the league back in their own hands.
And Atletico boss Diego Simeone is determined to enjoy the final three weeks of an enthralling season as his side face Malaga and Barca before meeting Real in the Champions League final on May 24.
"We have three fantastic weeks ahead, including the game on the 24th. Three finals await us and we have to concentrate on the first of those, which is at home to Malaga next Sunday.
"We have always maintained the same philosophy and our composure. We have always said that we are competing against two very powerful teams and it isn't often that they lose games.
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