Danny Batth's goal was only Blackburn Rovers' second attempt on target against Leeds United at Elland Road
Danny Batth bundled in an injury-time equaliser within minutes of a controversial Pascal Struijk penalty opener as Blackburn Rovers denied Championship leaders Leeds United victory in a pulsating finish at Elland Road.
Struijk coolly stroked home what seemed likely to be the winner from the spot in an underwhelming match of very few chances after Dominic Hyam was adjudged to have felled substitute Mateo Joseph.
But a far-post corner led to promotion hopefuls Rovers drawing level within two minutes and prevented Leeds from winning a 10th successive home league game when Batth reacted quickest to score from close range from a Hyam header.
The centre-back's intervention means Leeds remain three points clear at the top of the table having missed the chance to extend their lead to five over third-placed Sheffield United, who play at Sunderland in the late Wednesday night kick-off.
Leeds came close to snatching victory in 11 minutes of stoppage time but goalkeeper Aynsley Pears made a brilliant save to keep out a fine Max Wober volley.
The dramatic ending was in stark contrast to an otherwise uneventful New Year's Day fixture which produced a rare draw between the sides, the first time in 16 matches that the meeting has not had an outright winner.
Injuries and subsequent delays - notably to Blackburn's Yuki Ohashi in the first half and United's Jayden Bogle in the second period - did not help the flow, but a match full of endeavour made otherwise underwhelming and fitting viewing on a rainy and dreary day.
Blackburn defended in numbers - and with commendable organisation and discipline - against a Leeds side who constantly probed for gaps but were largely ponderous and predictable in possession and were unable to create any clear-cut chances.
Joel Piroe, Dan James and Brenden Aaronson all threatened in the first half and the hosts did so more as the half wore on.
But from more than 65% possession, United's only attempt on goal before the break came when centre-back Struijk's tame downward header from a Joe Rothwell corner kick bounced harmlessly off the turf and into the arms of Pears.
Rovers could have opened the scoring when Hyam failed to properly connect with a dangerous corner kick but Leeds managed to clear following a melee, while the defender showed much better anticipation at the other end with a vital clearance from a dangerous James cross.
The pattern continued after the break with very little goalmouth action.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke brought on Patrick Bamford, Willy Gnonto and Joseph and the triple change livened up the home team in the closing stages.
Aronson shot narrowly over after showing some nifty footwork on the right; James had a free-kick easily saved and also just failed to slide the ball in at the far post from a Joseph cross; and Gnonto crashed a spectacular volley wide.
Rovers' first attempt on goal came when substitute Harry Leonard, on for the injured Yuki Ohashi, made a mess of a great headed chance, badly misjudging a measured cross.
An increasingly exasperated Farke finally seemed content after Struijk kept his nerve from the penalty spot - much to the disgust of Farke's counterpart John Eustace, who was furious at the award of the spot kick as Hyam appeared to get both man and ball.
But there was still time for Hyam to add to the drama when he played his part as Batth levelled with Blackburn's second attempt on target and Rovers, who are now winless in four matches, held on for a point.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke:
"It was definitely not our best game today. I think the lads looked a bit tired. In the first half we moved the ball too slow and didn't create many chances.
"Also credit to Blackburn. They are well-structured and good at defending. When they lose, it's usually 1-0. But one corner kick can change everything. We could have defended better to prevent the corner, it was unnecessary. Anything can happen.
"I feel for my lads because it was not the best performance, but great mentality. They kept going forward and didn't lose their nerve.
"We feel a bit disappointed, yes. We know we can't win all the games. The problem is you want to win them all. But if you can't, you take the point and move on."
Blackburn boss John Eustace on his side's point and Leeds United's penalty award:
"We defended really well. We limited Leeds to next to nothing really. I think Aynsley had one save to make right at the end.
"We've come to the best team in the league, the best squad of players, so to come away with a draw is really pleasing.
"I certainly don't think we would have got the penalty if it was at the other end.
"It's a fantastic football club, 36,000 fans, the referee's always under pressure to give a decision. Last minute at Elland Road, it's kind of expected."
Farke: I feel for my lads
