Champions League 2018-19, Real Madrid 1-4 Ajax: Talking Points and Observations

#3 Benzema, Bale, Kroos, Courtois all deserve some time off

Real Madrid players failed to impress

Real Madrid lost their third game at home in a week, having scored just once in three fixtures whilst conceding 8 goals. The results from these three games have changed the complexion of the season entirely, as Madrid now sit 12 points off the top in La Liga, exit the Copa del Rey, and are disgracefully dispatched by a combination of bad luck, dodgy VAR and some beautiful, beautiful football.

Madrid had almost 58% of the ball, creating 20 chances to Ajax's 16, but were horrible in execution in the final third. The team struck the post twice. Gareth Bale was brought on for Vasquez for an hour, so was Asensio for Vinicius. Benzema is considered by Solari as his only option up front, but all players have let down fans time and time again this season.

The loss to Ajax felt like the breaking point for fans who are eagerly waiting for an answer from the club hierarchy regarding their current state. Kroos and Courtois were completely off the pace, as was Benzema and Bale. Given Courtois' ability, the free-kick was something the Belgian keeper could have done better and not conceded. Surely, something has got to change.