The Real Madrid players in the firing line after the CSKA defeat

Real Madrid's disappointing defeat at home to CSKA Moscow has left a number of players in the firing line from veterans like Marcelo to promising youngsters like Vallejo.

The match was billed as an opportunity for the second string that had shone in the cup against Melilla to once again come to the fore but it wasn't to be the case.

ISCO AGAINST THE ROPES

The Malaga born player is passing through his worst moment at the club and since he suffered the appendicitis he has not been able to recover his form. He lost his place in the side following Lopetegui's dismissal and now has lost the backing also of the Bernabeu fans who were not happy with his display against CSKA along with other incidents such as his arguments with Solari.

He did respond in the cup game against Melilla with two goals but he could not carry that through to the Champions League. All that can be remembered from the CSKA game is his anger with the crowd and a missed chance.

Without the backing of the coach or the dressing room, his future is in doubt.

MARCELO IS NOT IN FORM

Solari said it precisely that Marcelo is not in form and needs to work. Marcelo returned after missing three games through injury but it has not been revealed what type of injury he has. He needs time now to get back to his best.

Against CSKA he struggled at the back and was beaten on several occasions by Mario Fernandes. While normally he can make up for defensive lapses with his ability going forward, right now he is not able to show that.

BALE UNCONVINCING

He came on in the second half and didn't offer anything. As has been the case throughout this season he has done well in one game and then not the next. He won the three points with a fine goal against Huesca but he was not able to change the match against CSKA. There is not much affection towards him from the fans and he neither has done much for them to warm towards him.

Bale wasn't helped by an ankle problem but the general feeling is that he is a long way off being the leader that the team needs.

ASENSIO LACKS AN END PRODUCT

Asensio is not having an easy season and while the CSKA game could have been a good opportunity for him to find his rhythm, he came on and was one of the better players but he failed to score.

He has lost his place in the side to Lucas Vazquez and while he made some good runs he seemed to run out of steam.

VALLEJO CAN'T GET GOING

It was another chance lost for Vallejo and it appears now as though even Javi Sanchez is ahead of him in the pecking order. He never looked solid against CSKA and made some mistakes with Courtois frustrated with him for the Russians' third.

A year and half since his arrival it appears as though his time may be coming to an end.