Sharjah24 – AFP: LaLiga leaders Real Madrid were held to a 0-0 draw away at Villarreal on Saturday, as their lead at the top of the table was reduced to just four points.
Real were uncharacteristically sluggish in the first half, coughing up a number of chances with Villarreal's Samuel Chukwueze a menace throughout.
Villarreal forward Arnaut Danjuma hit the post before Real keeper Thibaut Courtois produced a fine save to deny Alberto Moreno from the edge of the box as the home side pushed for an opener.
The visitors were much-improved after the break, with Gareth Bale -- making his first appearance for the club since August -- clipping the bar before he and team mate Vinicius Junior were denied in quick succession by Villarreal goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.
Substitute Luka Jovic then hit the bar in stoppage time as Real sought a late winner with fellow replacement Nacho's follow-up cleared off the line by Serge Aurier.
Madrid move onto 54 points, four ahead of second-placed Sevilla with both sides having played 24 games. Villarreal, meanwhile, are fifth on 36 points.
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