MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid was held by Rayo Vallecano to a 0-0 draw in the Spanish league on Sunday for its second consecutive setback following a Champions League loss at Liverpool. Madrid's attack struggled and was scoreless again after having found the net in every match this season until the 1-0 defeat at Liverpool on Tuesday.

Madrid remains top of the Spanish league, five points ahead of second-placed Villarreal, but Barcelona can move within three points of the leader by beating Celta Vigo later Sunday. “We know where we are," Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said. "You have to know how to balance the good times and the bad times. It’s a long season. The demands are huge, but we can cope with them and we’re preparing for them.” Madrid had won 13 of its 15 games in all competitions this seaso

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