Real Madrid’s lead atop the La Liga table was cut to three points on Sunday after a frustrating 0-0 draw against local rivals Rayo Vallecano at the Estadio de Vallecas.
Xabi Alonso’s side, who had won 10 of their 12 league matches this term, failed to score against a stubborn Vallecano defence.
The result means Madrid could not restore their seven-point cushion following Villarreal’s victory on Saturday.
Key forwards Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham squandered the best chances for the champions, while defender Raul Asencio missed the home side’s clearest opportunity.
The introduction of Trent Alexander-Arnold late in the game failed to break the deadlock.
The dropped points allowed third-placed Barcelona to cut Madrid’s advantage to just three points following a win over Celta Vigo.
