MORE FROM Rik Sharma

Barca show steel after Messi's injury blow

The La Liga giants had to deal with a knock to their star man, but showed they could cope in a strong start to a crucial week in their season

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Benzema has forgotten how to be a striker

The French forward has spent so long creating space and goals for others that he is struggling to play the role of Real Madrid's leading man again

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Courtois' €40m Madrid move anything but a 'dream'

The Belgian was expected to be an instant star at the Bernabeu but he has struggled for regular game time and top form since his move from Chelsea

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The new Xavi? Arthur a ray of light for Barca

The Brazilian put in another strong display, helping Barcelona dictate play despite an early hole and the hostile conditions of the Mestalla

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Los Blankos! Lopetegui & misfiring Madrid look utterly lost

The European champions suffered a shock 1-0 loss at Alaves on Saturday, meaning they have now gone four games without scoring in all competitions

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Real's striking problem: No Ronaldo, no Bale, no goals

After losing their all-time leading scoring in the summer, the last thing the Blancos needed was to see the in-form Welshman pick up another injury

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Real's striking problem: No Ronaldo, no Bale, no goals

After losing their all-time leading scoring in the summer, the last thing the Blancos needed was to see the in-form Welshman pick up another injury

Rik Sharma

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Humiliated! Real & Barca exposed on the same night

The Catalans were upset by the previously winless Leganes before the Blancos failed to capitalise by slumping to a dismal 3-0 loss at Sevilla

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Barca's rotation woes continue with Girona draw

Ernesto Valverde tried some fresh faces to combat a heavy fixture list, but again the results have been found wanting

Rik Sharma

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Who needs Ronaldo? Bale & Real liberated by Lopetegui

The reigning European champions may have missed the clinical Portuguese at times against Roma but they are playing with a newfound freedom

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Problematic Isco can be Real Madrid's saviour

The 26-year-old scored within three minutes of his introduction to rescue a point for his side, reminding Julen Lopetegui he can be decisive

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Dembele finally paying back €145m transfer fee

The young Frenchman struggled horribly to replace Neymar in his first season at Camp Nou but he has started the current campaign brilliantly

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Coutinho's magic elevates Messi & Barca stars

The Brazilian put in an outstanding performance as the reigning Spanish champions returned to the top of the table with an 8-2 victory over Huesca

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Nothing like Zidane: Lopetegui willing to upset Real's stars

Zinedine Zidane was renowned for his diplomacy but his successor at the Bernabeu has already shown that he is ready to take unpopular decisions

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Brilliant Bale inspires Ronaldo-less Real past Girona

Real found themselves 1-0 down at Montilivi but ended up resounding winners thanks to an inspired display from their new-look attack

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No Neymar or Mbappe: Where's Ronaldo's replacement?!

With the transfer window closing next week, Madrid fans are wondering why their club has yet to react to the loss of their all-time leading scorer

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How Real Madrid will line up in 2018-19

Julen Lopetegui has replaced Zinedine Zidane as coach, while Cristiano Ronaldo has left for Juventus, shrouding the Santiago Bernabeu in uncertainty

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