Real Madrid fell further off the pace at the top of the Primera Division as they suffered a shock 2-1 loss to Alaves.
It was the third match in succession in which Zinedine Zidane’s side had failed to win, while it was marred by an injury to Eden Hazard that threatens to hinder their progress in the busy weeks leading up to Christmas.
Although Madrid largely dominated the encounter, they were already a goal down when the Belgium international was replaced by Rodrygo midway through the opening period.
Lucas had put lowly Alaves ahead from the penalty spot with just five minutes gone, while the guests had threatened again on the break only for Thibaut Courtois to come up with a couple of critical stops.
A hammer blow fell upon Madrid four minutes after the restart as Joselu converted a second after a disastrous mistake from the home keeper.
Los Blancos continued to be hopelessly exposed at the back and flirted with the concession of a third before exerting late pressure that paid off to some extent as Casemiro struck.
It was too late for Zidane’s troops to salvage anything from the game, though Isco hit the woodwork with the last kick, and they have fallen six points behind league leaders Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid.
Diego Simeone’s men, who have a game in hand, had earlier edged Valencia 1-0.
Substitute in, Deyverson.
Substitute out, Joselu.
Substitute in, Javi López.
Substitute in, Borja Sainz.
Substitute out, Luis Rioja.
Substitute out, Lucas.
Yellow card for Edgar Méndez.
Goal by Casemiro.
Substitute in, Edgar Méndez.
Substitute out, Tomás Pina.
Yellow card for Rubén Duarte.
Substitute in, Isco.
Substitute in, Martin Odegaard.
Substitute in, Ferland Mendy.
Substitute out, Toni Kroos.
Substitute out, Luka Modrić.
Substitute out, Marcelo.
Yellow card for Luis Rioja.
Substitute in, Vinícius Júnior.
Substitute out, Marco Asensio.
Yellow card for Toni Kroos.
Goal by Joselu.
Substitute in, Rodrygo.
Substitute out, Eden Hazard.
Yellow card for Casemiro.
Penalty scored by Lucas.