Villarreal hold Madrid goalless

Madrid: Real Madrid were held

to a goalless draw at Villarreal on Saturday despite the return from a lengthy injury absence of Gareth Bale. The La Liga

leaders’ slip-up will give renewed hope to title rivals Sevilla after their 2-0 win over

Elche on Friday. Carlo Ancelotti’s Real moved

four points clear of secondplaced Sevilla at the top as they

look to regain the crown they lost to Atletico Madrid last season. Real top La Liga on 54

with Sevilla on 50 and Real Betis are third way back on 40

points. Struggling champions Atletico Madrid edged Getafe

4-3 in a late match. —