Real Madrid failed to take advantage of Barcelona's stumble after drawing 0-0 with Osasuna yesterday.

Barcelona were held 1-1 at home by Villarreal on Saturday night, but an uninspired Real failed to test Osasuna.

Requiring victory in Pamplona to go above their Catalans rivals on goal difference, the visitors were limited to long-range efforts in a poor first half, before having penalty appeals waved away in first-half stoppage time after Cristiano Ronaldo theatrically went to ground while attempting to make space for himself on the edge of the box.

Osasuna had two scrappy opportunities, but Gonzalo Higuain missed a gilt-edged chance on the counter attack and despite bringing Karim Benzema and Raul off the substitutes' bench, the visitors were held in a stalemate to lie two points behind Barcelona in the title race.

Real coach Manuel Pellegrini remarked afterwards: "The Reyno de Navarra is not an easy venue. The games here are very intense. Osasuna played well. In the second half we had chances to win it but overall it was a very balanced game.

"We were very good at the back. I don't think Osasuna created any moment of real danger."