Levante 1-2 Real Madrid: Five Talking Points | LaLiga 2018-19 

#5 Clasico is out of reach on this evidence

Real Madrid's preparations for Clasico are far from ideal

Real Madrid's performance in this match will do nothing to raise confidence ahead of the back-to-back El Clasicos. The Merengues host Barcelona twice next week - on Wednesday in the second-leg of the Copa Del Rey and on Sunday again in the league game in what's going to decide their fortunes for the season.

Solari's side are nine points behind the champions and a victory at the weekend would blow the title race open again. A win during the midweek would put them through to the semi-finals of the league cup and would be automatic favorites with Atletico already out of the competition. But on this evidence, neither seems likely.

Real were once again disappointing in every department. With a terribly ramshackle defense, an out-of-sorts midfield and an erratic attacking vanguard, nothing can be expected of this side. The Blaugrana would cruise to another thumping if this version of Real Madrid shows up in any (or both) of the ties.

The reigning European champions have plenty of work to do.