Real Madrid 5-3 Fenerbahce: 3 talking points

#3 Defensive issues still persist

Real Madrid v Tottenham Hotspur - Audi Cup 2019 Semi-Final

Real Madrid's historical emphasis on all-out attacking play means that more often than not, their attacking brilliance comes at the expense of defensive solidity.

This was very evident last season where they conceded 46 goals in 38 LaLiga matches and this is just not good enough for a club of their caliber.

When Cristiano Ronaldo was present, those defensive shortcomings were easily covered, as the Portuguese's high productivity in front of goal made sure of that.

However, in his absence, the goals have dried up and their frailties at the back have become more highlighted and moving ahead, this is an issue that Real Madrid must address.

Judging by their pre-season fixtures, those issues still persist and having conceded 13 goals from just four matches heading into the game against Fernabahce, Zidane would have been hoping for a tighter performance at the back, but what he got was another defensive shortcoming.

It took just six minutes for the Turkish side to breach Keylor Navas' goal and by 59 minutes, they had scored three; bringing the total goals conceded by Real Madrid in pre-season so far to a whopping 16 goals from just five matches.

Great strikers win games, but great defenses win titles and if Real are to challenge for the trophies, they must find a solution to their leaky defense.