cause for concern at Real Madrid. Los Blancos have suffered back-to-back defeats in the space of three days after initially losing to Sevilla in LaLiga before being stunned by Celta Vigo in the first-leg of the Copa del Rey quarter-final on Wednesday.
In doing so, their record-breaking 40-match unbeaten run came to an abrupt end and their hopes of a domestic cup semi-final berth hang in the balance.
Their lacklustre displays this season have coincided with a dip in form from Ronaldo since the turn of the new year.
At the height of his powers, the Ballon d'Or winner was the focal point of Real Madrid's success, bringing in the club's 11th Champions League crown and a subsequent Club World Cup title too.
Now, though, apart from his successful penalty attempt to open the scoring against Sevilla on Sunday, his movement has been sluggish and out of sync, and he's made little contribution to the collective good in general.
In the past, Zinedine Zidane's men have played with high intensity from the off, pressing high up the pitch from the first minute to the last.
But since his individual triumph, the 31-year-old's contribution has decreased drastically and has compromised the team's chances.
If, indeed, Ronaldo is 'the best', as many seem to suggest he is, he needs to react soon - the team desperately needs him.
Meanwhile, the side's deficiency at right-back is also concerning for Zidane with Dani Carvajal hamstrung and set to be sidelined for at least a month.
The situation is even more worrying when Carvajal's replacement, Danilo, has failed to provide adequate cover in the past, with the French tactician opting to finish the match against Celta Vigo with a back-three.
No doubt Zidane will be hoping for a reaction when they take on Malaga on Saturday night. Following two stunning defeats, their upcoming fixture is proving to be a must-win match. Should they
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