Real Madrid faced reality last night vs Atletico Madrid, in the first toughest test of the season.

Everything looked fine after the first six matches of the season with six wins, but in reality the flaws were obvious in those matches too.

A lot of wins in the last minutes and an unsustainable game that did not really show promising signs – despite getting all wins.

At Civitas Metropolitano vs Atletico, everything went wrong for Real Madrid – from Ancelotti to the last substitution. The Italian coach opted to play a 4-5-1 formation, which in reality was a 4-4-2 with Jude Bellingham playing totally out of position, as a striker alongside Rodrygo. The match started with 5 midfielders and a winger playing as the main striker.

Just 45 minutes in, Carlo turned to his same line-up, bringing Joselu on for Luka Modric – but the early goal conceded just 50 seconds into the second half ruined all plans.

What was also a visible problem for Real Madrid last night, is the defense. Three goals conceded in the same way, three headers from three crosses through the right side. Carvajal’s absence and Lucas’ performance showed very good how short Real Madrid are in the RB position, Alaba played probably the worst match in the Royal White and both Fran Garcia and Ferland Mendy did not show a good level in their respective minutes.

There are no positives to take from last night, bar the fact that Vini Jr. and Arda Guler will soon return to action for Real Madrid.

Ancelotti took full responsibility on his shoulders after the defeat, but is that really the reality?

Is there someone else to blame that Real Madrid have gone into the new season with four attackers, three wingers and a striker on loan from Espanyol? Real Madrid fans were clear all summer and everyone who saw the state of the team knew that a striker was much needed for the club – but not replacing Benzema with anyone, is really not understandable.

Last night was maybe just the start, of what seems to be a much worrying season for Real Madrid. The team creates a lot, but fails to score as it doesn’t have the right quality in the final third, the defense struggles a lot and without Militao, Courtois – everything looks more vulnerable.

It is hard to defend Carlo Ancelotti for the tactics and formation he chose last night, but it is also hard to attack Carlo Ancelotti knowing fully well that the team in his disposal is not one that allows you to fight for 50+ games per season.

Real Madrid face Las Palmas next on Wednesday to try and return to winning ways, and it remains to see how the team will respond to this defeat. Vinicius Jr. will return in this game, while it is still not known if Arda Guler will do so or not.

Anyway – there’s much to improve and Real Madrid should act immediately, or else it will not be a pleasing season for anyone associated with 14 time European Champions.