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Real Madrid's loss to Barcelona has hit hard in the capital and it's understandable that an investigation is underway to see why it occurred. Although the loss was significant in terms of the rivalry between the two teams, the bigger picture is that it could take Real Madrid one of two possible paths. First they can mope, and feel sorry for themselves after the defeat, or they can galvanize and react in a positive and ruthless manner down the home straight.

Big changes may be again be afoot in the summer, but for now there is still much left to play for and deliberate on. Here are the five factors from El Clasico, that the team from the capital should focus on.

Luka Modric's Influence

If Luka Modric is healthy, Real Madrid can still win trophies this season. Ancelotti’s men controlled the game for about 60 minutes, precisely what Modric’s physical condition lasted. He has been sidelined for more than 4 months after the severe groin injury, so it’s not hard to explain why a match of this intensity got Modric exhausted that early.

Still, he is definitely Real Madrid’s most important player if Los Blancos want to recover their good form and their dominant play. Now, the Croatian will be training and playing two matches with his national team that will do him well in order to improve his fitness.

Goalkeeping Prowess

Goalkeepers are a decisive part of football. While Claudio Bravo single-handedly prevented Real Madrid from taking the lead after Benzema scored the equalizer, FC Barcelona were able to score twice on their first two attempts on target.

Casillas kept it close at the end of the game, that’s true, but his positioning and reaction on Luis Suárez’s goal should have been better. He is now lacking confidence, something proved by taking a look at how early he dives after Suárez’s shot, even before he’s able to see the trajectory of the ball.

Substitute bench bother

Ancelotti’s bench is as thin as it gets. When the Italian coach looked at his bench to try to claw back and earn at least a draw, he saw Varane, Chicharito, Illarramendi, Lucas Silva, Keylor Navas, Arbeloa and Jesé. Out of those seven players, Jesé is the only one who could possibly change the course of a game, but he is struggling a lot ever since he managed to recover from a torn ACL.

When James gets back – something that should happen it two or three weeks - Ancelotti will recover one more attacking tool for his bench, whether that’s James or Isco, but Real Madrid will still need to make a couple of relevant signings this next summer to improve the roster’s depth. For instance, Barcelona had key International players Busquets, Pedro and Xavi sitting on the bench, and that can make the difference in some scenarios.

Marcelo now a mainstay

Marcelo can take Real Madrid to the next level. If the Brazilian left back keeps creating chances the way he did at the Camp Nou, there will be no reasons for Real Madrid to recover their offensive groove and punch. Marcelo played so well that instead of spending the match marking Messi down, the Argentinian had to take care of him more often.

Of course, he is not a very reliable defensive player and he tends to lose his focus sometimes, but his unpredictability and passing skills are something invaluable for a team so desperate of space for Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale through the middle of the pitch. Marcelo and Benzema are Real Madrid’s two biggest facilitators and they don’t often get the credit they deserve.

All is not lost

There is a long way to go and Real Madrid could still win both La Liga and the Champions League. While some reports suggesting that Real Madrid came out of this game much stronger might be excessive, there are some silver linings for Los Blancos as well. It will not be easy to overcome the four-point deficit to FC Barcelona, but Luis Enrique and his men have some tough matches ahead as well.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid will only need to take care of business against what should be manageable opposition in La Liga and then try to beat Atlético de Madrid once and for all in the UEFA Champions League Quarterfinals. There are still some issues on Real’s squad, but James Rodríguez will be back soon, and if Cristiano Ronaldo and Co are able to build a decent winning streak, Real Madrid will still be in good position to fight for both titles.