Eight issues that put Zidane on red alert at Real Madrid

Loose defense.At the Balaidos Stadium of Celta Vigo last weekend, Real once again showed their defensive problems. Every time the home team attacked quickly, they created a clear chance. The reigning La Liga champions could barely close the gaps. That reminded fans of the El Clasico loss to Barca 0-3. Five goals conceded in the last two La Liga matches is clearly a disappointing statistic for Real's defense.

Ability to maintain an advantage.Gareth Bale's double in the final two minutes of the first half put Real ahead of Celta Vigo, but Zinedine Zidane's side struggled to maintain their advantage until the end. They were caught up in Celta Vigo's style of play, and if Keylor Navas hadn't saved Iago Aspas' penalty, Real could have lost 3-2. Zidane's second-half changes betrayed that. Lucas Vazquez, an attacker, came on for Luka Modric, despite Real's need to be safe.

The full-backs are in decline.When Real won the double in the 2016-2017 season, in addition to the performance of the BBC trio and top central midfielders such as Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, that achievement also had a significant contribution from the two full-backs Marcelo (left) and Dani Carvajal (right). Their ability to attack and defend in harmony helped the "White Vultures" move the ball smoothly all over the field.

However, neither of them have contributed much to Real's play since the start of the season. Carvajal was sick, had to stay in hospital and was off the pitch for two months. Meanwhile, vice-captain Marcelo often rushed forward to attack and left deadly gaps behind. 40% of Real's goals conceded since the start of the season have come from the Brazilian's wing.

Ronaldo's poor scoring form.The 2017 Ballon d'Or has only scored four goals in La Liga after 13 games and 1,156 minutes of play. That figure is far below the average of one goal per game that the former Man Utd player has consistently maintained in recent seasons. The Portuguese superstar has completely disappeared from Real's attack. Last year, Ronaldo scored 12 goals in the first 13 games of the season, three times more than the current statistics.

The 32-year-old striker also lacks support from his partner Karim Benzema. The two are even listed as the least effective striker pairing in Europe's top five leagues. No Real player has reached the five-goal mark in La Liga so far this season. The 16-point gap with Barca is just the inevitable result of the white team's lack of sharpness.

The midfield is no longer themselves.Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric were once compared to the trio of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets of Barca at their peak. They were also considered the best central midfield trio in Europe last season, and were the main nucleus in helping Real win eight cups in the last two seasons.

However, all three failed to maintain their form in the first half of the 2017-2018 season. Zidane recognized this and often put Isco in the starting lineup to strengthen the midfield, but without success. The ability to keep the rhythm, pass the ball and intercept the Real midfield is far worse than when they won the Champions League half a year ago.

Lack of reserve forces.Real let James Rodriguez, Alvaro Morata, Pepe, Mariano Diaz and Danilo, all of whom were effective substitutes last season, leave in the summer of 2017, but did not bring in any valuable additions. With the Bernabeu team in a deadlock, Zidane had almost no options to change the way of playing.

Cristiano Ronaldo has complained about Real's squad depth this season. Sergio Ramos has hit back, but the argument is clearly on the Portuguese superstar's side.

Zidane is out of magic.Last season, the French coach started many matches with the reserve team, and often made tactical changes. Thanks to that, Real achieved positive results, especially in the final stage of the season when they almost split the team into two to play in the Champions League and La Liga.

This season, Zidane has had few opportunities to show his ability to turn the situation around. Part of the reason could be because Real Madrid have been at a disadvantage in the game, leading to the 45-year-old coach not being able to react in time. Most clearly in the 2-2 draw with Celta Vigo last weekend. Real Madrid were equalized in the last few minutes, and could not find a goal to increase the score.

The gap is too big with Barca.Real are currently fourth and 16 points behind Barca at the top of the table. Falling so far behind in La Liga has forced the white team's coaching staff to consider their ability to compete for the title in the domestic arena. The only chance to turn the situation around passed when Real lost 0-3 in El Clasico on December 23.

Fifth place would be a disaster, as it would mean Real missing out on the Champions League. But keeping a top four spot and focusing on Europe might be a wiser choice for the Bernabeu side.