Real tough as Catalans edge closer

REAL MADRID dropped points for just the second time this season as the La Liga leaders were held to a goalless draw by Rayo Vallecano yesterday.

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Madrid - whose lead at the top of the table was cut to three points after Barcelona's later win at Celta Vigo - were scoreless again, having found the net in every match this season until the 1-0 Champions League loss at Liverpool last midweek.

Madrid had won 13 of 15 matches this term in all competitions before the draw at Rayo, with the other previous setback coming at Atletico Madrid in a 5-2 loss in September.

Los Blancos boss Xabi Alonso said: “It was tough against Rayo, who use a lot of counterattacks. Our defence held up well in the second half. Our attack couldn't break them down.

“We want to be stable. La Liga’s one game at a time.”

A Robert Lewandowski hat-trick helped move Barca into second spot with a 4-2 win at Celta Vigos Balaidos Stadium.