A definitive blow in the LaLiga Santander title race for Real Madrid came on Sunday afternoon in what should have been a simple match against Girona.
All of the merit of the fine form over the past month has been forgotten after the 2-1 defeat, with Marcelo largely to blame and Gareth Bale whistled shortly after coming on as a substitute.
Santiago Solari made changes for the game, but the real rest came in the minds of the players after going 1-0 up as they assumed that the match had already been won.
Eusebio Sacristan's side took advantage, turning the game around completely by showing their own focus and determination.
Girona equalised from the penalty spot and sent two clear warnings before scoring a winner, sparking many fans to leave the Santiago Bernabeu early, having seen enough.
It opens up a new raft of doubts for Madrid with many players letting opportunities slip as they let the title slip away with this defeat.
If one thing was clear it was why Marcelo is not starting as Eusebio's side targeted him and Portu rang rings around the Brazilian.
He got forward well at times, but not enough to compensate for his defensive woes which were pivotal in deciding the game, with Girona's No.9 leading the comeback and even scoring the deciding goal in the 75th minute.
Solari's changes didn't help his team and he was forced to call upon Vinicius Junior as a substitute as Madrid looked to get back on top, but it wasn't enough, just like Los Blancos' title charge.
Imandeep_Sekhon
88
I am Braça fan and here is what I have to say. Marcelo May have not played his best game, but when he does a overlap with the winger. One of the midfield has to drop back. Personally I would say attacking is a bigger problem. I watched the game live and Marcelo was not the problem.
hoacikmy
51
Observing all of the factors that constitute RM, I must say that Perez petulance is the cause of Marcelo’s performance and team disorganization. Solari can only do what he is told to do. Don’t blame him. When Marcelo goes into attack mode, any reasonable skillful football player knows that his defense position must be covered. Real has no skillful football players? This is Perez ‘s ego defense. He knows Marcelo will go Juventus next season. So bench him. Make sure he gets no time help from his teams. Destroy and frustrate his confidence. Make sure he is told he is too old, past prime,that he has lost the skills and speed he once had. Then when he leaves say we have lost nothing. He is over the hill. Just make sure he doesn’t win the Ballon d’Or.