Real Madrid's unbeaten run was a poisoned chalice

016 finished in the best way possible for Real Madrid as they were crowned world champions and it seemed that 2017 was going to be just as fruitful when they defeated Sevilla 3-0 and Granada 5-0 in their first two matches to maintain their undefeated record, but it all went downhill from there.

Los Blancos surpassed Barcelona's unbeaten run of 39 matches with a 3-3 draw at the Estadio Sanchez Pizjuan, but it appears to have been a poisoned chalice as they have now lost twice and been knocked out of the Copa del Rey.

Their downturn in form has been experienced in all areas of the pitch as Zinedine Zidane's side are now conceding more and scoring fewer.

Over the course of the season's first 28 matches they were averaging three goals scored per match, but they have netted just 1.8 per match on average over the past five outings, partly due to a drop off in Cristiano Ronaldo's goalscoring form and partly because there haven't been as many game-saving Ninety-Ramos minute goals, even if he did save his teammates with a double against Malaga.

As for the number of goals conceded, the average has doubled from one per match to two, as Sevilla managed to penetrate Real Madrid's back line five times, while Celta Vigo did so on four occasions and Malaga once.

In terms of explaining the team's struggles, injuries have also been one of the major issues in the aftermath of the unbeaten record, with Gareth Bale, Luka Modric, James Rodriguez, Pepe, Dani Carvajal and Marcelo all missing game time due to their respective knocks.

Zidane will hope they can return soon and that Los Blancos can rediscover their positive momentum.