Marca's cover: Zidane is losing his magic touch

Six months after he took over Real Madrid for the second time, Zinedine Zidane appears to be entering troubled waters.

Los Blancos struggled in their first games of the season in LaLiga Santander, but they counted on a rejuvenation in the Champions League thanks to their three-time winning coach.

Paris Saint-Germain waltzed past Madrid 3-0, however, and the magical aura surrounding Zidane seems to be fainting.

The Frenchman accepted the challenge of returning to the club due to his loyalty to Florentino Perez, but the pre-season didn't kick off well.

Despite 303 million euro investment in the summer transfer window, the team appeared rather unbalanced, with a 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich being followed by a 7-3 thrashing by Atletico Madrid.

It was around that time that the first differences arose between the board and Zidane, with the Frenchman insisting that they sign Paul Pogba from Manchester United, who were not eager to sell their prized talent.

Although Real Madrid entered into talks with Tottenham Hotspur for Christian Eriksen and Ajax for Donny van de Beek, Zidane wouldn't change his mind: it was Pogba or nothing.

The transfer window came to an end and the club didn't sign any midfielder to replace the likes of Dani Ceballos or Marcos Llorente.

As a result, Zidane was left with six midfielders, including Isco and James Rodriguez, who are more attacking-minded players.

Of the six signings Los Blancos made last summer, five are considered to be backups at this point in their Madrid careers, and only Eden Hazard is assured of a spot in the starting line-up for this season.

Zidane appears to have placed his confidence in the old guard, with whom he won the aforementioned three consecutive European trophies, while players who emerged onto the scene under Santiago Solari, such as Marcos Llorente and Sergio Reguilon, have departed the club.

Results are not the only thing that is hurting the team at the moment, with muscular injuries also playing a part. Zidane's Madrid are still unbeaten in LaLiga Santander, but they must respond when they travel to Sevilla on Sunday.