Liga leaders Madrid frustrated by Valencia

Read Madrid CF slipped up in their pursuit of the Liga title after drawing 0-0 at home to Valencia CF, a result which leaves them four points ahead of rivals FC Barcelona.

José Mourinho's side have been in irresistible form at the Santiago Bernabéu this term but were thwarted by an enterprising Valencia team, who defended with staunch determination. The hosts went closest when Cristiano Ronaldo struck a post, before Ricardo Costa followed suit at the other end.

Ángel Di María injected some much needed invention after the break but found goalkeeper Vicente Guaita in irrepressible form. The result leaves Madrid four points clear at the Liga summit with a potentially title-deciding trip to Barcelona just two weeks away.

Gaining momentum in the hunt for a UEFA Champions League spot are Levante UD, who moved to within a point of third-placed Valencia after overcoming Club Atlético de Madrid 2-0. Valdo opened the scoring within the first minute, before Arouna Koné doubled his side's advantage soon after to move them fourth.

Meanwhile, Athletic Club ended a run of five Liga games without success. Fernando Llorente's solitary strike secured the Basque side a 1-0 victory against Sevilla FC, who had triumphed in their previous three outings.

In the day's other game, RCD Mallorca and Granada CF edged a little further clear of the relegation zone following a goalless draw.