319 minutes without scoring

It has been three games on the bounce without scoring for Lopetegui's Madrid, which all started in the heavy 3-0 defeat away to Sevilla, just less than seven days ago. 

Yet after a brilliant start in front of goal so far this term, it seems as though Real Madrid have almost forgotten what it is like to score a goal, as it has been 319 minutes since they last scored in any competition. The last goal coming courtesy of Marco Asensio, which he notched in the 41st minute of the first half against Espanyol.

Since then, Real Madrid failed to get on the score sheet against Sevilla (3-0), they played out a stalemate in the Madrid Derby against Atlético (0-0), and fell to a shocking defeat away to CSKA Moscow in the Champions League (1-0). 

'Los Blancos' hit the woodwork on three separate occasions against the Russians. First Casemiro, then Benzema, and the last, a Mariano header in the final minute of the game. However they were destined not to score, and fell to a narrow loss. 

It has been 12 years since such figures have been recorded by a Real Madrid side;  when Fabio Capello was the man in charge of the Real dugout, and 'Los Merengues' had formidable players like Raúl, Van Nistelrooy, Ronaldo and Higuaín.

There are only two players in the Madrid squad still standing from the club's last goalless run; Sergio Ramos and Marcelo, both of whom were absent for the clash with CSKA on Tuesday. 

The lack of clinical finishing is highlighting a clearly solvable issue within this Madrid side, but an issue nonetheless. Benzema's early season form did well to distract from the problem, but without Bale on Tuesday, it was clear that the team lack height and are missing variety in their attacking options.

From the eye of the storm emerges the name of one promising youngster, Vinicius Junior, a possible saviour for Real Madrid at this tough time. The Brazilian can offer something new in 'Los Blancos' team sheet that is currently paying a high price for a number of high-profile injuries.