04 January,2010 07:26 AM IST | | AFP
Real Madrid spurned the chance to replace Barcelona at the top of the Spanish first division yesterday as they fired blanks in a frustrating 0-0 draw at Osasuna.
Barcelona had dropped two points as they lost their 100-percent home record with a 1-1 draw against Villarreal on Saturday, but Real could not capitalise and stay two points behind the champions in second.
It was only the second time Real had failed to score in the league this season the other occasions being a 1-0 loss at Barcelona and a 0-0 draw with Sporting Gijon.
"We did everything we could but just couldn't score," said Brazilian Marcelo. "Osasuna's back-line was well-organised and made it very difficult for us to get through. We planned to be up at the top with Barcelona but it wasn't possible. Now we have to rest and think about the next game."
Real coach Manuel Pellegrini was without Kaka as he hasn't recovered from a groin injury so Rafael van der Vaart continued as the attacking midfielder behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain. While Barcelona have a last 16 Kings Cup match against Sevilla on Tuesday, Real can rest up as they have already been eliminated by minnows Alcorcon.
