Real Madrid's bid for a record 17th consecutive LaLiga victory fell short as Villarreal held them to a 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale were back in Zinedine Zidane's XI for their tilt at history, but had little joy during an opening half that ended with Bruno Soriano putting the visitors ahead from the penalty spot.
Sergio Ramos was culpable for his team falling behind, but quickly atoned by heading home from James Rodriguez's 48th-minute corner.
Karim Benzema, Bale and Ronaldo all went close to inking Madrid's latest entry into the history books, but their 16-match run, which began after February's derby defeat to Atletico Madrid, puts them level with the mark set by Pep Guardiola's Barcelona during the 2010-11 season.
Zidane's men remain top of LaLiga despite losing their 100 per cent record this term and Barca and Atleti will look to close the gap when they meet at Camp Nou later on Wednesday.
Mateo Kovacic returned to the Madrid XI alongside their superstar forwards as a result of the calf injury Casemiro suffered against Espanyol, and much of the early action was concentrated in the midfield area as Villarreal kept their illustrious opponents at arm's length.
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