Uefa Champions League 2018/2019, Real Madrid 2-1 Viktoria Plzen: Five Talking Points

#4 Marcelo's injury comes at an inopportune time

Marcelo suffered what seems to be a calf injury

Marcelo signed for Real Madrid from Fluminense in Brazil in 2007, and since then has integrated himself fully into the squad, becoming an integral part of the starting lineup and establishing himself as the premier left-back in the world.

He is central to Real Madrid's play, as he provides width on the pitch, while the club and in particular Ronaldo benefitted from his pinpoint deliveries from wide positions.

Marcelo pulled up injured in a La Liga clash with Sevilla, and his importance was reemphasized, as in his absence, Real Madrid struggled mightily, failing to win their next three matches, and more shockingly, going on their worst goalless run since 1985.

It was no coincidence that the club's first goal in 465 minutes (almost eight hours ) of football was scored when Marcelo returned to the starting lineup, with the goal itself being scored by the Brazilian international in the 2-1 loss to Levante.

He was once more instrumental against Viktoria Plzen, terrorizing their defence with his crosses, before scoring the vital second goal which made Real Madrid more comfortable.

He pulled what seemed to be his calf muscle in the dying stages of the game, and while no official word has been given yet, the 30-year-old was forced off the pitch and could be seen with ice packs on the affected leg.

With a host of first-team players underperforming, Marcelo is the one bright light in a squad of stuttering players, and Lopetegui would have been counting on him to lead the team back into form, but his injury might make issues a bit more complicated for the club.