Real Madrid were held to a goalless draw by Rayo Vallecano but still went five points clear at the top of La Liga.
Xabi Alonso’s side had a frustrating day in front of goal, managing just five shots on target as the hosts became the first team to keep a clean sheet against the La Liga leaders this season.
The result opens the door for rivals Barcelona to cut their lead to three points when they play Celta Vigo later on Sunday. Rayo are 12th on 15 points.
Rayo keeper Augusto Batalla was the standout player of the match after the Argentine made several saves to deny Real, while the home side defended resolutely to keep their clean sheet.
La Liga top scorer Kylian Mbappe, who has netted 13 league goals, had a quiet afternoon after the Frenchman was restricted to just one shot as Real failed to win at the Estadio de Vallecas for the fourth year in a row.
Madrid’s attack struggled and was scoreless again after having found the net in every match this season until the 1-0 loss at Liverpool on Tuesday.
