Real Madrid were defeated 2-1 at Espanyol in their last fixture before October's international break.
The defeat brought an end to a week of disappointment which also saw Los Blancos beaten by a relatively unknown Moldovan outfit in the Champions League.
In the Espanyol game, however, Carlo Ancelotti surprised us with some tactical blunder, unlike what we've seen from him earlier this season.
Let's have a look.
First half: No Miguel, Kroos starts
Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Vazquez, Militao, Alaba, Nacho; Kroos, Camavinga, Modric; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius Jr.
There was some serious mix-up from Ancelotti in this starting lineup.
To start with, the defence was left porous, with Vazquez starting at right-back when Madrid had defensive options on the bench.
Benching Miguel was a mistake. The youngster should've started at left-back with Nacho at right-back rather than central. As a result, Nacho made the mistake that led to Espanoyol's winner.
Starting Valverde on the right wing was also another blunder by Ancelotti. Rodrygo deserves to have started that game. Or Hazard even. Fede is better suited in midfield.
Kroos didn't need to start this match, given he's just returning from injury.
Los Blancos had no bite in the first half.
Second half: Vinicius out
Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Vazquez, Militao, Alaba, Nacho; Valverde, Casemiro, Hazard Rodrygo; Benzema, Jovic.
Ancelotti ringed the changes early in the second half with Camavinga making way for Rodrygo.
Madrid soon switched to the 4-4-2 with Hazard coming on for Vinicius. Jovic was also brought in and Los Blancos were on the ascendency once more. Not long after, Jovic and Benzema combined for the goal, but the damage had already been done in that first half.
Espanyol simply had to defend valiantly. They did that well.
