Real Madrid form might dip with Villarreal draw

On Saturday night, Real Madrid had the opportunity to drive the pursuers of La Liga five points behind in the table. It would happen if they could beat Villarreal at home at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

In the first half, Real Madrid had great difficulty in opening Villarreal's defensive line, which was compact and secure. In fact, the Madrid club had such a hard time with it that in the first half they were not registered for a single finish within the frame.

At the other end, the story was different. Thibaut Courtois was the only reason the Madrid club went to the half with 0-0 on the board. At the start of the match, the visitors got a huge opportunity, but the Belgian goalkeeper's long fingers got the finish around the post. In terms of play, Villarreal could go to the half with a clear game advantage, where they only handed over part of the momentum to Real towards the end of the first half.

Where the visitors had a good grip on the game in the first half, they left the initiative to Real after the break. Although the Madrid club of several times found its way to the end, the sharpness was lacking. Villarreal therefore came close to scoring, but neither did the visitors manage to get the ball over the line.

In the overtime of the match, Madrid threw the heavy shot up into the Villarreal field, but the guests owned the airspace at the Bernabeu on Saturday night. Therefore, the match ended without scores.

The result means that Real Madrid hold on to their first place. In addition, it is the fourth time this season that Villarreal play 0-0 in La Liga. Just as Real Madrid leave the pitch without scoring for the first time this season, so Karim Benzema must also leave the pitch for the first time without being involved in a goal this season.