(CNN)Real Madrid failed to take advantage of Barcelona's slip up and left huge question marks over its La Liga title bid as it lost 1-0 to Villarreal in Sunday's late game in Spain.
Real was hoping to take advantage of Barca's disappointing 2-2 home draw with Deportivo La Coruna Saturday, but an early goal by Roberto Soldado in El Madrigal proved its undoing.
To rub salt into the wound, city rival Atletico had earlier come from a goal down to beat Athletic Bilbao, drawing level with Barcelona on points at the top.