Real Madrid on their knees after successive losses

Real Madrid went into Sunday’s Clasico aiming to land a decisive blow in the title race but a week later, they’re down to third in the table, two points below Barcelona following a loss to Sevilla.

The pair of defeats have undermined Real’s strong run since Christmas and the inferior head-to-head records against Atletico and Barca could prove decisive if there is a tie at the top of the table. It’s rather alarmingly and Borrusia Dortmun, who’s facing the Spanish giants next week in the Champions League, should smell an opportunity get their poor season a silver lining.

Able to brush aside weaker sides, Real have picked up just three points from away games against Sevilla, Atletico, Barca, Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal among the stronger sides in the league, casting doubts over both their tactics and mentality.

Real went ahead through a def lected Cristiano Ronaldo free-kick at the Sanchez Pizjuan, but were unable to sustain the lead for long, eventually going down to a pair of counter-attacking strikes from Sevilla’s Carlos Bacca.

Real started brightly but as the game progressed they lost their composure going forward as they frantically sought a second goal. Sevilla, by contrast, defended solidly and were always a threat with Madrid looking susceptible at the back.

“Obviously it is more difficult now. We are behind but it is not impossible,” Ancelotti told reporters as he reflected on the losses. “It will affect us and it is a bit strange. We need character and personality from everyone so that we can respond quickly. It is tougher now as all the games are important.”

Real’s two big rivals, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, pulled of easy wins to make the La Liga title race closer than it’s ever been in the past decade.

Despite closing the gap at the top, there is a sombre mood at Barcelona ahead of their derby with Espanyol following news that keeper Victor Valdes suffered a torn knee ligament in the midweek 3-0 win over Celta Vigo and will miss the rest of the season.

Meanwhile, Atletico remain a model of consistency, and despite leading the table, coach Diego Simeone continues to claim that they are the outsiders for the title ahead of Saturday’s trip to Athletic Bilbao.

The League leaders now lead Real Madrid by three points, and have a better head-tohead record against Los Blancos, as they beat Granada 1-0 thanks to a Diego Costa goal.