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What's the story?
Former Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Redondo has weighed in on his former club's form following Cristiano Ronaldo's departure, stating that the transition process will not be easy, especially since a player who guaranteed effectiveness is no longer with the team.
In case you didn't know...
In what is now common knowledge, Ronaldo left the Bernabeu for Serie A giants Juventus last summer, leaving Los Blancos devoid of a player who guarantees goals above the 40-50 mark every season.
The departure played a key role in Real Madrid's torrid start to the current campaign and the subsequent sacking of Zinedine Zidane's replacement, Julen Lopetegui.
When Santiago Solari took the reins, the side initially made little improvements only to later experience defeat after defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona, leading them to crash out of the Copa del Rey as well as the race for the domestic title.
Of course, the European champions still have a chance to defend their Champions League title and Solari's future at the Bernabeu appears to depend on it.
Recently, 2018 Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric admitted that the club miss Ronaldo, stating that finding a replacement for the Portuguese is almost impossible.
The heart of the matter
Redondo has opined that while Ronaldo's absence is clear in the current Blancos squad, the fact that the club still has a chance in the Champions League is a form of consolation.
Speaking to Marca, the former Blancos star said, "It's a difficult moment, it's not been easy for Real Madrid since the beginning of the season."
"After having won the Champions League the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo is clearly impacting the team. We can see a lack of forcefulness, effectiveness, the kind which Ronaldo guaranteed. This process isn't going to be easy, but the fact Real Madrid are always alive in the Champions League is a plus."
What's next?
After a controversial win over Ajax in the first leg of their Champions League clash, Real Madrid will once again face the Dutch side in the second leg on Wednesday.
