Madrid was held by Osasuna to a scoreless draw at home, while Sevilla couldn't manage more than a 1-1 result at Mallorca, missing its chance to take sole possession of the lead. Real Betis joined them at the top with a 4-1 win over Valencia. Sociedad, which visits Celta Vigo on Thursday, also has 21 points atop the standings.

``We wanted to take advantage that Barcelona lost and Sevilla drew, but it wasn't possible,'' Madrid defender Dani Carvajal said. ``We tried everything but the ball wouldn't go in.''

Madrid was coming off a win over Barcelona in the ``clasico'' at the Camp Nou Stadium on Sunday. The Catalan club's struggles continued in a 1-0 loss at Rayo Vallecano, with Falcao scoring the winner in the first half.

Barcelona's second consecutive defeat left it winless in away matches and only ninth in the standings with 15 points from 10 games.

Madrid was in control from the start at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium but couldn't capitalize on its opportunities against sixth-place Osasuna, which had won four of its last six matches.

Karim Benzema had one of the best chances for the hosts when his shot from close range hit the crossbar in the second half.