REAL MADRID dropped points for a second successive game when they were held to a 0-0 draw at Racing Santander last night.

Jose Mourinho’s side, who are attempting to end Barcelona’s three-year stranglehold on the Spanish title, won their opening two games of the season but suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at Levante on Sunday.

They again looked short of ideas and creativity at Racing’s Sardinero stadium and barely threatened the home goal in a generally lacklustre display.

It could have been even worse for Real as Racing, coached by Argentine Hector Cuper, had a couple of chances to pull off an upset victory.

Real defender Alvaro Arbeloa had to be alert to prevent Ariel Nahuelpan getting a shot away in the first half and Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas pulled off a brilliant diving save just after half-time.

Atletico Madrid’s new signing, Colombia striker Radamel Falcao, followed Sunday’s hat-trick against Racing with a double in a 4-0 win at home to Sporting Gijon.