Real title hopes dented at Girona in 3rd straight draw, Villarreal win

Real Madrid were held to a third consecutive La Liga draw in a I-l tie at Girona on Sunday, allowing Barcelona to retain pole position.

- 

Azzedine Ounahi fired the hosts into a surprise lead before halftime, with Kylian Mbappe earning Madrid a point from the penalty spot.

After Barcelona beat Alaves on Saturday to move top of the table, Madrid needed a victory at Girona to reclaim top spot but now sit second, a point behind the champions.

Earlier Alberto Moleiro helped Villarreal, third, move back ahead of fourth-place Atletico Madrid with a stoppage time winner in a 3-2 victory at Real Sociedad.

Real's draw increases the pressure on Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, after recent rumours suggesting his future is insecure in the Madrid dugout.

"We are up there, it’s all very even, it’s a long season and we have to continue," Alonso told reporters.

"I liked the reaction from the players. It was not enough to turn it around but we were close, and we have to continue with the unity we have, being self-critical enough, and wanting to win away from home."