Real seeks response after derby humbling

European champion Real Madrid still leads La Liga, but an air of crisis has enveloped the club after it was torn apart by local rival Atletico Madrid 4-0 last weekend.

Negative headlines followed not only due to the manner of the defeat, but the timing of a party held by Cristiano Ronaldo to celebrate his 30th birthday along with some of his teammates just hours after the match.

Ronaldo's form on the field is also of concern for the Madrid hierarchy: the Portuguese has scored just three times in six matches since picking up the third Ballon d'Or of his career last month and was also sent off for kicking out at Cordoba defender Edimar during that run.