Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Loss Shows Madrid Need More Defense in Transfer Window

Real Madrid's loss to Barcelona on Wednesday in the Copa del Rey further proved that Los Blancos must bring in defensive talent during the transfer window or they will fail to beat their Catalan rivals in any competition this season.

Barcelona's dominance over their Spanish rivals, in particular at the Santiago Bernabeu, is a massive concern for Madrid that will affect them mentally more than it will physically.

Pep Guardiola spoke after the match about his team's recent success against their rivals.

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"Sooner or later this has to end. There's no way you can continue such a streak in such an important (stadium)," Guardiola said after marking his 41st birthday with a fifth coaching victory at the Santiago Bernabeu. "While it's true we've dominated them that doesn't give us any advantage before the return leg."

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Barca's domination has to end at some point, obviously, but I cannot see that being any time soon. Real Madrid's defense just isn't good enough to counter the enormous amount of attacking talent Barca has.

As evidenced by defenders Carles Puyol and Eric Abidal scoring Barca's only goals on Tuesday, nearly everyone in the squad can score for the Catalan club.

Madrid manager Jose Mourinho must find defensive players in this month's transfer window to help his squad better defend Barcelona's attacking talents, especially on set pieces.

There are a few players he should consider, and here's three of them.

Taye Taiwo, LB, AC Milan

With the AC Milan left back not playing as often as he should in Serie A, Madrid would be wise to make a move for this powerful and speedy defender.

Taiwo's strength and defensive intelligence would improve Madrid's defense of set pieces, which is something they need to worry about going forward.

The Nigerian star is still a very underrated player, and would be a big upgrade over Marcelo on defense.

Mats Hummels, CB, Borussia Dortmund

The German center back has become a legitimate star in the Bundesliga for Borussia Dortmund and should be a target for Madrid as they find a long term replacement for Ricardo Carvalho. Carvalho is not capable of defending well against Barcelona consistently and is not the world-class player he used to be.

Hummels is a 23-year-old star. Not only is he a good defender, but his passing ability is exceptional thanks to his experience as a midfielder.

He would be a rock-solid force in front of goal and is capable of starting the attack from the back.

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