Real Madrid stumbled to a costly 1-1 draw with Villarreal at home on Sunday to tighten the Spanish league title race.

Cristiano Ronaldo gave Madrid the lead in the 52nd with a penalty he earned and converted.

But Madrid squandered Ronaldo's league-leading 30th goal of the season when it conceded a goal by Villarreal striker Gerard Moreno.

Carlo Ancelotti's side still had over 25 minutes left to push for a winner, but it could have even lost if not for goalkeeper Iker Casillas' late save to deny Luciano Vietto.

Madrid inched two points ahead of Barcelona.

Atletico Madrid was left seven points adrift in third after a 0-0 draw at Sevilla.

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