Real Madrid missed the chance to increase their lead at the top of LaLiga after they were held to a goalless draw by Villarreal on Saturday.

Carlo Ancelotti's side struggled to break down a disciplined Villarreal side at the Santiago Bernabeu in what was the Italian's 800th game as a coach in Europe's top five leagues.

Arnaut Danjuma went close for the Yellow Submarine in the first half as Madrid failed to register a shot on target before half-time for the first time in a game under Ancelotti.

Madrid's best chance fell to Isco late on but his header was blocked to leave Ancelotti's side three points above second-placed Sevilla, who have a game in hand.

Villarreal showed the early initiative and went close after 15 minutes with the only shot on target in the first half.

Danjuma showed fine skill as he jinked between two Madrid defenders and saw a low shot pushed away by the diving Thibaut Courtois.

Karim Benzema fired wide from distance for Madrid shortly after, while Rodrygo rattled the side netting with a cross-shot.

Madrid's players surrounded the referee as they appealed for a penalty 10 minutes before half-time when Nacho was tackled by Raul Albiol, but he waved them away.

Eder Militao and Benzema both headed wide from good positions for Madrid shortly after the interval as Madrid increased the pressure.

Ancelotti threw on Isco and Eden Hazard in attempt to find a winner, and the former almost found a late winner with a close-range header, yet the visitors were able to scramble clear.

What does it mean? Miserable milestone for Ancelotti

Ancelotti took charge of his 800th game as a coach within Europe's big five leagues but presided over a disappointing draw.

The result means he has won 475, drawn 182 and lost 143 of those games although of more immediate concern to him was points dropped at home for the first time in LaLiga this season.

His opposite number Unai Emery was, in many ways, the ideal opponent. Madrid have never lost at home when Emery has visited them as coach in LaLiga (won nine, drawn two) but he went away the happier of the two men.

Experienced Albiol shows his mettle

At the heart of Villarreal's defence was Albiol and the skipper led by example with a fine defensive display against his old club. Albiol made a game-high nine clearances, won all three of his duels and did not concede a single foul.

Benzema fails to fire

France striker Benzema has been in red-hot form having been involved in 15 goals this season in LaLiga (eight goals, seven assists) but this was a low-key showing. He had five touches inside the opposition penalty area but managed just one shot on target.

What's next?

Madrid host Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol in the Champions League on Tuesday, while Villarreal head to Manchester United in the same competition a day later.