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Spanish media have hit out at Real Madrid for lacking 'personality and quality' in big matches after Xabi Alonso's side suffered a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday.
The Spanish giants had Thibaut Courtois to thank for preventing a heavier defeat on the night, with the Belgian goalkeeper producing a string of fine saves.
Real Madrid, however, suffered their first Champions League defeat of the season with Alexis Mac Allister heading on Dominik Szoboszlai's free-kick on the hour mark.
Spanish newspaper AS warned that Liverpool's dominance in the fixture has demonstrated that Real Madrid are not ready to compete for the Champions League this season.
The result was viewed as similar to Real Madrid's struggles in the Champions League last season against Arsenal, as well as their disappointing showings in the FIFA Club World Cup.
The outlet claimed Real Madrid's style has changed, but problems persist with their attitude on and off the ball.
Vinicius Jr's performance against Liverpool was branded 'desperate' by one Spanish newspaper
The Brazilian struggled against Liverpool right back Conor Bradley in their 1-0 loss at Anfield
Jude Bellingham's performance was viewed as 'inconsistent' as Real Madrid struggled
'The match Real Madrid played at Anfield last season made it clear that the team wasn't ready to compete in Europe, something Arsenal proved months later,' one article claimed.
'A year later, the test at the same venue, against an opponent now under scrutiny for their recent defeats, leaves behind the impression that Real Madrid's current competitive level hasn't evolved enough, especially regarding the players' attitude with and without the ball. The style has changed, but not the effectiveness.
'Now we can talk—the players themselves, led by Valverde, did about their attitude with and without the ball, something obvious, but the reality is that Real Madrid and their style don't mesh well with just passing the ball around.
'Without movement up front, having possession is of little use, and that's something Xabi Alonso still hasn't managed to instill in the players.'
Madrid-based newspaper Marca claimed the 'significant gap' between the two sides after Liverpool's 2-0 win last season has only grown 'wider' after Tuesday's result.
The newspaper claimed Real Madrid have both a goalkeeper and striker in Courtois and Mbappe, but between them are lacking 'intensity, personality, and quality football' in big matches.
Vinicius Jr's lack of attacking threat was highlighted by Spanish media after the Brazilian struggled against Conor Bradley at Anfield.
Mundo Deportivo branded the Brazilian as 'desperate' as he struggled to offer any attacking threat on the night.
One outlet claimed Trent Alexander-Arnold will not have left with a 'fond memory' after being booed when he came on as a substitute while Real Madrid were beaten by his former club
Alexander-Arnold's role moving forwards is viewed as key with Real Madrid struggling on the right flank
Spanish newspapers hailed the performance of Thibaut Courtois despite Real Madrid's loss
'He had a tremendous duel with full-back Bradley, but he couldn't get past the young Northern Irishman once, who gave him a hard time and even drew a yellow card from him,' the newspaper added.
AS added: 'When he wanted to, he couldn't. At first. He tried to dribble and looked for the goal, without success. And then, when he had the chance, he missed.
'Like a couple of isolated opportunities where he faced Bradley but couldn't get past him. Lacklustre.'
Jude Bellingham's performance was also highlighted with the England star deemed 'very inconsistent' by Mundo Deportivo, although he was defended by AS as being 'the one who understood Anfield best' and who worked 'though thick and thin'.
The performance of Courtois was hailed with the Real Madrid goalkeeper labelled as a 'savior' in his duel against Liverpool.
AS ruled that Courtois 'walked alone' at Anfield and praised is performance as a 'masterclass.'
Xabi Alonso's experiment of playing Eduardo Camavinga on the right flank was viewed to have failed
Trent Alexander-Arnold's brief cameo on his Liverpool return was touched upon by the Spanish press, with the chorus of boos greeting his arrival and the result leading to one newspaper stating the night will not have been a 'fond memory' for the former Reds star.
Alexander-Arnold's long-term role at Real Madrid was viewed of growing importance with the Spanish giant's right hand side having been analysed as a major issue against Liverpool.
Xabi Alonso's experiment of playing Eduardo Camavinga on the right flank ahead of makeshift full back Federico Valverde was deemed to have failed, leaving Real Madrid struggling in both attack and defence on that side.
Liverpool's physical superiority was also highlighted with Real Madrid viewed as a having a growing weakness in aerial duels.
