Things had appeared so rosy for Real Madrid. Summer signings bedding in, Cristiano Ronaldo back on form and seemingly in shape and another trophy added as the club claimed the Uefa Super Cup in Cardiff last week. But in the space of a few days, all of that good work has seemingly gone to waste.
Friday's Spanish Supercopa second leg at the Vicente Calderon started with a bang as Mario Mandzukic shot the home side in front after just two minutes. But in truth, the rest of the match never quite lived up its brilliant beginning.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti decided against risking Cristiano Ronaldo from the outset after the Portuguese was substituted at half-time in the first match on Tuesday, while Angel Di Maria was cut from the squad altogether and now looks likely never to play for the club again.
"It was a technical decision to leave him out," Ancelotti said afterwards. "We didn't need Di Maria." Which was firstly not true and secondly, another way of saying that the winger is on his way out - even though he is still badly needed.
TROUBLED | Ancelotti's explanation for Di Maria's absence was far from convincing
That's a sad scenario for Madrid and their fans as a season that started with so much promise is already affected by off-pitch problems and internal disputes. Even with the placid Ancelotti in place, it seems the club are falling back into habits of old - and Atleti are not the sort of team to show sympathy.
Trouble in Paradise, N it reminds of the mou era issues.
Di Maria will leave to United---> The new barca era
