Real Madrid slumped to a third game without a win as they crashed to a 1-0 defeat at CSKA Moscow in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Madrid were much-changed from their 0-0 draw with Atletico as Keylor Navas started in goal, Castilla starlet Sergio Reguilon came in at left-back and Lucas Vazquez was handed a rare chance on the right wing, while Dani Ceballos was rewarded for his Derbi display.
Los Blancos were playing at Luzhniki Stadium, where France beat Croatia 4-2 to win the World Cup just three months ago, but they made a nightmare start when Toni Kroos’ backpass turned into an assist for Everton loanee Nikola Vlasic.
Dani Carvajal had missed Madrid's last two matches with a knock, and his comeback was shortlived as he limped off the field just before half-time.
Casemiro, Karim Benzema and Mariano Diaz all came close to pulling at least a goal back for Julen Lopetegui's side, but the woodwork stood in the trio’s way.
CSKA goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev was sent off for dissent late on, but it did not prevent the Russians from taking top spot in Group G.
CSKA Moscow 1-0 Real Madrid
Vlasic 2, Akinfeev sent off 90
CSKA Moscow: Akinfeev; Rodrigo, Chernov, Nababkin; Fernandes, Bijol, Akhmetov, Oblyakov (Kyrnats 90); Dzagoev (Efremov 65), Chalov (Sigurdsson 78), Vlasic
Real Madrid: Keylor; Carvajal (Odriozola 43), Varane, Nacho, Reguilon; Ceballos, Casemiro (Modric 58), Kroos; Vazquez (Mariano 58), Benzema, Asensio
Referee: Hategan (ROM)
