Unlucky number 13 for Real Madrid

On May 26 2018 in Kiev, Real Madrid won their 13th European title and now the bad luck that is synonymous with that number appears to be falling on the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. 158 days later and Los Blancos are experiencing one of their worst crises in recent memory.

The Champions League triumph meant that the trophy room needed an extension, however, there are few smiling faces left at the club five months on, as the powers that be look to start a transition period not even half way through the current season.

On that famous night in Kiev and before even lifting the trophy, Cristiano Ronaldo was threatening to leave Real Madrid. His comments ruined the party, but this time he meant what he said and, before the end of the World Cup, had secured his move to Juventus for 100 million euros. Just like that, Madrid lost 50 goals a season and arguably their best ever player.

After Cristiano's warning, but before his official departure, Zinedine Zidane took the decision to leave the club on May 31, just five days after winning his third consecutive Champions League. The Frenchman, fearful that the team's successful cycle was nearing its end, left Real without a coach and with little time to react. They tried to bring in Mauricio Pochettino but Tottenham blocked the move. After sounding out Jurgen Klopp, Joachim Low and Massimiliano Allegri, they chose Julen Lopetegui.

Madrid finalised the deal for Lopetegui and announced it two days before the World Cup started, which led to Luis Rubiales sacking the coach in Russia. The agreement triggered chaos in the national team and a war with the Spanish Football Federation. Los Blancos exercised their right to sign the coach through his release clause but paid a high price in terms of public image.

Lopetegui didn't get off to a good start. The first chance to win a title passed him by, losing to Atletico Madrid in the European Super Cup. That's when the doubts started to emerge, especially given the lack of signings. He had asked for a number nine to replace Ronaldo and a midfielder to fill the void left by Mateo Kovacic, who left against Lopetegui's will. Other players like Luka Modric and Marcelo planted doubts about their futures and flirted with new adventures.

On Monday, Lopetegui was sacked after a dismal start to the season which leaves Madrid ninth in the league. The team that have won Europe's most prestigious competition three times consecutively are in free fall and the 5-1 thrashing they received at the Camp Nou proved to be the point of no return.