Real Madrid will attempt to put aside underwhelming La Liga form as they begin their UEFA Champions League defence versus Basel on Tuesday.
Claims that Carlo Ancelotti s men lost their balance with the close-season departures of Angel di Maria and Xabi Alonso have been strengthened by a spluttering start to 2014-15.
Having begun this term with a Supercopa de Espana loss to neighbours Atletico, the European champions appeared to be back on track when easing past Cordoba 2-0 in their La Liga opener.
The promise gleaned from that sparked a remarkable spell where they pulverised Real Sociedad early in their next fixture, moving 2-0 inside 11 minutes.
However, that game ended in a shock 4-2 defeat, made worse when Atletico who they beat in the Champions Leagu…