Villarreal extended their unbeaten league run to 14 matches and remain fourth in La Liga following a goalless draw at Celta Vigo.
Cedric Bakambu went closest to breaking the deadlock for Villarreal in the first half but the striker was denied on three occasions by Celta goalkeeper Sergio Alvarez.
Victory would have lifted Villarreal above Real Madrid into third place but they will be satisfied after maintaining an 11-point gap between themselves and fifth-placed Celta by staying unbeaten in the league since the end of November.
Bakambu blasted an early shot off target and forced a fine save from Celta goalkeeper Alvarez with an effort from outside the penalty area in the 14th minute.
The home side responded through John Guidetti, whose shot was kept out by Villarreal goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, but first-half chances were at a premium before Bakambu tested Alvarez again from close range in the 32nd minute.
French striker Bakambu was thwarted for a third time by Alvarez in the first period when his rising drive, destined for the top corner, was turned away at full stretch.
Both sides went close early in the second half as Guidetti's header and Celta midfielder Marcelo Diaz's long-range shot forced excellent saves at either end.
Celta twice went close to breaking the deadlock inside a minute just after the hour-mark when Diaz pulled a shot wide after being played in by Iago Aspas and Daniel Wass's shot from outside the box was well saved by Areola.
Goalscoring chances dried up as the second half unfolded. Marcelo Diaz blazed high and wide for Celta following a free-kick in the 73rd minute and striker Nolito was off target when well placed with eight minutes remaining as both sides settled for a point.