Real Madrid 0-3 CSKA Moscow: 5 Talking Points & Tactical Analysis | Champions League 2018-19

#5 Isco was a simply a shadow of himself

Couldn't get that one away!

Since the appointment of Santiago Solari as the first team head coach, one player who has horribly suffered is Isco. The manager has claimed that there is no issue with the play maker and that his decisions are always tactical, but nevertheless, the creative midfielder has consequentially fallen down the pecking order.

He has only started Champions League games post the secured qualification of Madrid. Although he struck a brace last time out, the 26-year-old didn't look all that sharp today.

With two defensive midfielders, he had the license to stay deeper and dictate play, while also dart forward and create chances. Maybe confidence played a part?

As always, Isco looked smooth on the ball and more or less effective with his passing. What let him and Solari's side down was his end product. More often than not, he couldn't quite produce the killer pass.

The number 10 had a golden chance with acres of time and space in the box, where in he could have unleashed a shot. However, Isco was slow in his approach and eventually, he shot wide from six yards out.

As the game wore on, he did too - which summed up his evening.