Real Madrid must learn from Sunday's 1-1 draw against Villarreal- Marcelo

Tomiwa Babalola

Brazil and Real Madrid defender, Marcelo has warned that his side must not slip up again if they must keep their chances of winning the Spanish league title hopes alive.

The Carlo Ancelotti's men were held to a 1-1 draw by Villarreal on Sunday, thereby reducing their

point on the league table to two points.

The Liga leaders got the Cristiano Ronaldo had opened the scoring from the penalty spot after 52 minutes and, despite immense pressure late on, they were unable to find a winner.

Villarreal's dogged display saw Madrid drop points at home in the league for only the second time this season, enabling Barcelona to close the gap to two points at the top of the table.

The European champions travel to Athletic Bilbao next weekend and Marcelo says they have plenty to work on to ensure they do not give up further ground.

"Winning would have been an important step," he told the club's official website. "We tried to do everything, we fought and ran, we had several chances but the ball has not gone in.

"We are saddened by the result. Every game is like a final for us and we will try to win against Athletic.

"We'll see what we have failed against Villarreal to ensure we do not repeat it. We know that only depend on ourselves and we must work to win."

Madrid have collected 61 points from 25 games so far this term, while reigning champions Atletico Madrid have fallen seven points behind. Goal