Barcelona compromise title hopes with tie at Villarreal (0-0)

Barcelona have taken a giant step backwards in La Liga after failing to win against struggling Villarreal (0-0).

Guardiola’s men are now a surprising seven points away from Real Madrid, who remain solid in the top seat after securing a 3-1 home win against Zaragoza.

In a goalless match at the El Madrigal stadium, Barcelona had trouble getting past keeper Diego López, who had an impressive game.

The culés now have 45 points after dropping two more away from home - it was the sixth tie in the league for Barça. After 21 matches, the Catalan giants are in a rather unfavourable position as their distance to Real Madrid seems hard to overcome.