The term crisis is often used in modern day football, with a highly critical media and major European clubs with high standards quick to be put – and put themselves – under pressure.
For a club of Madrid’s stature, a dip in form and a disappointing result will immediately raise questions, and the assumption is that something fundamental must be wrong with either the Coach or the players.
However, Carlo Ancelotti has remained calm throughout, even after the derby loss to Atletico Madrid, and that sense of tranquillity has filtered down to the squad.
While it would have been easy to allow the pressure to weigh down on them, the reigning European champions have bounced back with consecutive wins and have produced solid performances.
Cristiano Ronaldo silenced his critics with the opening goal at the Veltins Arena on Wednesday night, while Marcelo scored a stunning second to ensure that the Spaniards have a strong advantage heading into the return leg.
Ancelotti added that he was pleased with the way in which his players controlled the game, while he also had a warning for his rivals that his Portuguese superstar was back after ending his goal drought.
However, perhaps the most telling analysis came from midfielder Toni Kroos. The German international conceded that although Madrid played better football in the first half of the season, it was laughable to suggest that they were suffering from a crisis now as many teams would love to be in their position.
It is fair to say that those within the club have never felt as though they were in a critical position, and their unity was on display for all to see as the players celebrated with their Italian Coach after the second goal.
Both Marca and AS insisted that the win had been dedicated to Ancelotti on their front-pages on Thursday, and it is that unshakeable belief and desire to succeed for each other that makes this Madrid team special.
Lucas Silva was deployed in midfield and can be relatively pleased with his performance, but perhaps more important was the return of Pepe in the heart of the defence.
With Sergio Ramos sidelined, the Portugal international will need to bring leadership and solidity to the back-line in his absence and a clean sheet away in Germany is undoubtedly a promising start as Madrid look to provide their attacking talents with a solid base on which to work.
Naturally, it is important that Madrid now maintain this level of performance moving forward and avoid any further slip-ups. However, it is always reassuring for a Coach when he can rely on his players to react to adversity and make a swift return to doing what they do best.
