La Liga wrap: Barca surge clear as Real stumble

Real Madrid dropped two more points in their fading La Liga quest after they were held to a scoreless draw by Deportivo La Coruna.

Jose Mourinho’s side created several gilt-edged chances yet could not convert, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Emmanuel Adebayor both striking the woodwork in the final 15 minutes.

It was a very fortunate draw for a home side who were on the back foot throughout the match, but Deportivo somehow managed to keep out a rampaging Real and deliver a body blow to their title credentials.

Mourinho’s men are seven points behind Barcelona in the league standings fter the Catalans dismantled Mallorca 3-0. Lionel Messi scored a delightful lobbed header in the rout, while David Villa and Pedro also netted for the visitors.

Espanyol broke a run of four league losses with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad.

Sevilla and Atletico Madrid played out a 2-2 draw at the Estadio Vicente Calderon, with Atletico twice coming from behind to salvage a point.

Relegation candidates Sporting Gijon and Real Zaragoza failed to boost their survival chances after playing out a 0-0 draw at Estadio Municipal El Molinon.