Real Madrid's best has not been seen often this season. They take two steps forward, and almost feel inclined to take one or two back and be the culprit of their demise, so to speak.
Real Madrid have struggled in both of their favoured competitions this season. LaLiga, which they once led by as many as five points, is something they are now chasing, as they trail Barcelona by three.
They were able to find form in the Champions League eventually, but their start to that campaign was anything but impressive, losing three of their first five league phase games to put themselves in a bad position. They are now in the round of 16, but they had to play two extra matches to get there, which is not ideal.
But, LaLiga was particularly the competition where they looked themselves. They drew a few games here and there, but it generally looked like they were able to maintain a lead over their biggest rivals. However, there is one shocking statistic that debunks the reason why they have given up their initial sizeable advantage.
Real Madrid's away form is absolutely shocking
Real Madrid have had decent luck at the Santiago Bernabeu, generally speaking, but their form away from home has been nothing short of diabolical. They have been able to muster up a measly six wins from 14 away games, including three losses. They have only managed 23 points out of a possible 42 in their horrid run, and it goes to show where exactly Real Madrid have been lacking.
With no disrespect to the teams they have faced, Real Madrid should have come away with a win in most of those games, if not all. Real Madrid drew to Atltetico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano, and that is understandable, but the matches they have lost - particularly against Espanyol and Real Betis -should have been turned into victories.
It is not just the losses, either. Wasteful draws against Osasuna and Rayo Vallecano have been frustrating, but they only show part of the problem. Real Madrid's attack is absolutely brilliant, but they are just not able to finish things off away from home, which is something that needs some serious looking at.
If Real Madrid keep chirping away points the way they have, it will not be long before the league title is taken by one of their eternal rivals.