A depleted Real Madrid side were unable to find a way through Sporting Gijon defense to draw 0-0 away from home in the Primera Liga on Saturday. Real had to do without several regulars due to injury, lacking the spark needed to break down Gijon's backline. Los Merengues, who spent big in the close season to dethrone league holders Barcelona, missed Gonzalo Higuain, Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ruud van Nistelrooy. They hardly created goalscoring opportunities to settle for a draw against Gijon. Real, who also lost to Sevilla, are temporarily on top of the league table with 19 points, ahead of second-placed Barcelona on goal difference. Barcelona can go three points clear at the top if they beat Real Zaragoza on Sunday.