Real Madrid Goalless Again in 1-0 La Liga Loss vs. Deportivo Alaves

Real Madrid's crisis continued on Saturday as the European champions suffered another shock defeat. This time, Deportivo Alaves came away with a 1-0 win in La Liga. Manu Garcia scored a late winner for the hosts. 

As shared by sportswriter Richard Martin, Los Blancos' scoreless streak is taking on historic proportions, and they've not found the net for over six hours:

Los Blancos have now failed to win any of their last four matches across all competitions. They lost to CSKA Moscow in the UEFA Champions League in midweek.

Mariano Deserves a Start over Benzema

Manager Julen Lopetegui took Marco Asensio out of the starting XI in an attempt to change things up but once again went with Karim Benzema in favour of summer signing Mariano Diaz.

Fans have been waiting for the striker to get his chance all season long, and with the team misfiring in front of goal it made little sense not to let him have a go. They were disappointed to see the out-of-form Benzema lead the line yet again:

Lopetegui did make the switch at half-time, and Los Blancos' play improved almost immediately. His eagerness to prove himself gave the visitors momentum they had lacked before the break, even if it didn't result in a goal.

Benzema has been at the club for years. He's a proven commodity and one of the most senior players in the squad, so it's easy to see why Lopetegui has stuck with the former Lyon man.

But the 30-year-old's struggles go back to last season, and he hasn't found the net since September 1. He has four La Liga goals—all in the first two weeks—and he has done little of note since. Mariano was one of the club's big summer signings. He should get the nod after the international break.

International Break Will Fix Many of Real's Woes

Real's scoreless run and winless streak will have plenty of fans panicking, but there are reasons to believe their slide will end after the international break.

Bad luck and poor finishing have played their part, especially in the last two matches. Los Blancos created enough chances against Alaves―putting those chances away proved to be the issue:

Plenty of key creative players have either been banged up or have struggled with form. Bale and Marco Asensio were vital to the team's success early this season, and their struggles of late have been a major factor.

Some time away from the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu―whether it's with the national team or during a short break―should help the side clear their mind, get healthy and find their form. Levante at home will be the team's next challenge in two weeks' time, and with fresher legs to carry Los Blancos, they should get back on track.

Even if Barcelona beat Valencia on Sunday, the gap at the top of the La Liga standings will be just three points. For all of their struggles, Los Blancos are in a solid position entering the international break.

What's Next?

La Liga action will return after the international break, as Real host Levante and Alaves visit Celta Vigo.