REAL MADRID were held to a goalless draw against Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés Stadium.
Zinedine Zidane's men failed to make the most of their golden opportunity to get back into the La Liga title race.
After Spanish rivals Barca drew 2-2 at home to Celta Vigo earlier in the day, Madrid would have been able to close the gap.
Madrid have now failed to score in back-to-back La Liga away games for the first time since September 2011.
Los Blancos will now also be without Sergio Ramos, yet again, after the defender saw red in the late stages of the fixture.
Karim Benzema came close to opening the scoring after just seven minutes, but he was denied by the woodwork. The striker took down a delivery from Isco, before his thumping strike rattled the post, leaving Kepa Arrizabalaga rooted to the spot.
José Ángel Ziganda's side reacted instantaneously, but Aritz Aduriz was denied from close range by Keylor Navas.
They went into the interval level after a terrific defensive display from the home side.
Madrid weren't at their best, but should have snatched the advantage after missing a handful of huge chances. Zinedine Zidane's men hit the ground running in the second half, with Bilbao's defence under constant pressure.
Ronaldo came close to breaking the deadlock after 71 minutes, but his thumping strike smashed the outside of the woodwork.
Sergio Ramos, who has only just returned from injury, was given a red card after he caught Aduriz with a flailing arm after rising high.
From The Sun
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