Villarreal 0-0 Real Madrid: No Benzema, no goals for Los Blancos

Real Madrid were held to a goalless draw by Villarreal on Saturday as their lead over Sevilla at the top was cut to six points. 

Sevilla's win over Elche on Friday moved them within three points of Madrid, who could not restore their six point gap despite twice hitting the woodwork against Villarreal. 

Villarreal sit fifth for now, but they have played two more games than most teams around them. 

With Madrid once again missing the injured Karim Benzema, the first half was dominated by the home side at the Estadio Ceramica, but they couldn't beat Thibaut Courtois, who was once again in fine form. 

Arnaut Danjuma came closest, hitting the post after his initial shot was blocked. 

Marco Asensio was lucky to avoid a red card for a high challenge later in the first half as the two sides went into the break goalless. 

Madrid improved in the second half, with Gerónimo Rulli in fine form in the Villarreal goal. 

Having already saved from Gareth Bale in the first half, he tipped another effort from the Welshman onto the bar. 

Madrid nearly won it late on when substitute Luka Jovic hit the bar, with any hopes of three points disappearing when Nacho Fernandez's follow-up was cleared off the line.