Real Madrid's great turnaround

Real Madrid have turned around a crisis in under a month, winning eight straight matches after a Champions League comeback against Roma sparked a tactical shift.

Real Madrid arrived at the late-September international break in crisis after losing the Madrid derby to Atlético, with questions even raised about José Mourinho's future. The turnaround began in October when a 3-4 Champions League comeback against Roma in the Olimpico — after trailing 3-1 — marked a shift in mentality and performance.

Vinicius's four-match suspension proved pivotal. With the Brazilian sidelined, Mourinho reorganised the team, deploying Diomande on the left wing, Arda Güler on the right, and Bernardo Silva in midfield — additions that restored the creative football the side had lacked.

Moving Valverde to right-back also strengthened the defence. The results followed: victories over Sevilla, Leipzig, Barcelona at Camp Nou, and AEK Athens in another Champions League comeback. Real Madrid have now won eight consecutive matches and sit in a state of euphoria after weeks of doubt.