Misfiring Real Madrid Held by Villareal on Gareth Bale’s Return From Injury

• Real Madrid dropped points on the road after a pulsating draw at Villareal in La Liga on Saturday afternoon
• The visitors who had Gareth Bale returning from injury failed to take their chances as the top of the table is reduced to four points
• Los Blancos will be hoping to find their goal scoring boots before their UEFA Champions League clash against PSG on Tuesday

Real Madrid's lead at the top of the La Liga table is now four points after dropping points in their game against Villareal at the El Madrigal on Saturday, February 12, 2022.

The Spanish giants were toothless in front of goal as a resolute Villareal shared the spoils with the league leaders.

Wales captain and Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale played his first game for the club since picking up an injury in August last year.

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Bale came close a couple of times but could not convert his chances, rattling the woodwork once.

On the other hand, Villareal gave a good account of themselves with Samuel Chukwueze and Arnaut Danjuma causing trouble for Real Madrid.

Danjuma nearly broke the game's deadlock with a ferocious strike which glanced the post.

The draw leaves Real Madrid only four points adrift of second place Sevilla on the La Liga table.

The 13 times European champions face Paris Saint Germain in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.

Real Madrid midfielder Casimero reacts to goalless draw against Villareal

Real Madrid midfielder Casimero bemoaned the opportunities wasted in the game against Villareal on Saturday afternoon.

Despite creating several chances, Real Madrid were lethargic in attack and could not find the back of the net.

"We had a number of opportunities to win it but in football you need to take your chances," Madrid midfielder Casemiro said after the game as quoted by ESPN.

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"The coach ensured we were much better in the second period, which is a performance we will take encouragement from. We're coming into the business end of the season and we are all working well, pushing in the right direction.

"The coaching staff are always pushing us and we want to win everything this season."