Real Madrid and Villarreal have been unsuccessful in their respective bids to make a breakthrough in a goalless first half at the Bernabeu.

Villarreal made a promising start and created two big chances in the early stages as Gerard Moreno forced Iker Casillas into a fine save, before Dani Carvajal headed Moi Gomez's effort off the line.

Carlo Ancelotti's side improved as the first half progressed, with their first opportunity falling to Pepe, who headed over from a Toni Kroos free kick.

However, Villarreal's energy, particularly in midfield, limited the space on offer to the hosts to the frustrate the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.

The Welshman came close to breaking the deadlock when his header drifted just wide, and a similar effort from Raphael Varane ended with the same result.

Villarreal were given one final scare before the interval when Bale's cross struck the crossbar before bouncing to safety.