Fabio Capello was forced to share the points (Allsport)

MADRID, Aug 27 (SW) - The new-look Real Madrid got off to a disappointing start in the 2006/07 La Liga season after being forced to settle for a 0-0 draw against Villarreal at the Bernabéu.

Madrid had a chance to go in front in the ninth minute as Antonio Cassano made a nice cross to the center, but Ruud van Nistelrooy could not turn the shot into the Villarreal net.

Three minutes later, Cassano himself nearly put the Merengues in front when he got on the end of a Michel Salgado right-wing cross at the near post, but the shot went just wide.

Things then went cold for awhile, but Villarreal eventually got their feet under them after a shaky start and nearly had the lead on the half-hour, but Iker Casillas was alert to get a hand to a shot by Marcos Senna.

Madrid then nearly snatched the lead on the stroke of half-time off of a corner kick, but Fabio Cannavaro's effort was lifted over the top with Mahamadou Diarra screaming for a penalty in the madness.

Right after the restart, van Nistelrooy had a chance to grab his first goal for Madrid after a service into the area by David Beckham, but the Dutchman fired high into the seats.

Van Nistelrooy also came close for the home side on the hour mark as he raced into the area and hit a laser shot, but again the ball just barely missed the target.

Desperate to break the 0-0 scoreline, Madrid manager Fabio Capello brought on striker Robinho to replace Beckham, but it was Villarreal who nearly got the opener in the 80th minute as Juan Román Riquelme's free kick just narrowly went wide of the post.

The Robinho switch nearly paid dividends for Madrid just a minute later, though, as his ball in toward the post was in prime position for a touch goalwards, but no one was able to get there.