La Liga 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 clipping the bar.