Real Madrid seek response from derby humiliation

European champions Real Madrid may still lead La Liga, but an air of crisis has enveloped the club after they were torn apart by local rivals Atletico Madrid in a 4-0 defeat last weekend.
      
Negative press 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 kickout out at Cordoba defender Edimar during that run.
      
Indeed there are fears that the patella tendon injury in his left knee that affected his performances towards the end of last season and most notably at the World Cup could have flared up once more.
      
Club president Florentino Perez held a meeting with the players and coach Carlo Ancelotti on Monday to tell them in no uncertain terms that their performance at the Vicente Calderon was unbefitting of the 10-time European champions.
      
However, defeat to Atletico could also prove a turning point in Madrid's season just as it did at the start of the campaign.
      
After losing two of their first three league games, Madrid travelled to face Depor under a similar cloud only to romp to an 8-2 victory which helped spark a club record 22-game winning run.
      
Los Blancos are still blighted by injuries with Sami Khedira becoming the latest casalty to join Sergio Ramos, Pepe, James Rodriguez and Luka Modric on the sidelines with a hamstring problem.
      
However, left-back Marcelo will return from...