Real Madrid missed the opportunity to open up a four – point gap at the top of the La Liga standings after they could only manage a 1 -1 draw with visiting Villarreal on Sunday night.

Ikechukwu Uche failed to come off the bench for The Yellow Submarine, but he took the decision of manager Marcelino in good faith, if we are to take his post match comments at face value.

“What a great draw tonight! Well done guys! #EndavantVillarreal,” the Villarreal number 8 announced on Twitter.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot in the 52nd minute, but Gerard Moreno equalized for the visitors 12 minutes after the Portugal international netted his 30th goal of the season.

Villarreal are eight points behind Valencia, who occupy the fourth position and the last Champions League