By Phil Kitromilides (@PhilKitro)

In the stadium known as "The Cathedral", Real Madrid gave an underwhelming sermon on Saturday afternoon.

Prior to the game against Athletic Bilbao, Los Blancos' manager Carlo Ancelotti had called for his side to start the game with intensity because that was needed more than ever when playing in the vast and vociferous home of the Basques.

Yet his side did not heed his warning and when the visitors fell behind in the 26th minute to what would be Athletic's only shot on target of the game, there was little reaction in what remained of the first half from the European champions.

While the second period saw a more enthused showing from Madrid, they nevertheless struggled to break down the resolute Athletic back-line, with the side at times looking a little devoid of ideas.

Dominating possession but not being able to use it constructively has been an issue that Madrid have faced on more than one occasion since the turn of the year and it is no surprise, given the absences of Luka Modric and James Rodriguez.

When attacks down the wing faltered, Madrid were often forced inside and the centre of the pitch where things became congested, the tempo slowed and momentum was lost.

Isco had more touches of the ball than any other player and while his attacking play has been the fulcrum for Madrid in recent weeks, he found himself unable to dissect a defence which kept its shape and did not afford him any space.

It is worth remembering that Modric and James are two of the best proponents of one of the fundamental facets of Ancelotti's ideology for the side, moving the ball quickly and efficiently, and Madrid simply did not do this on Saturday afternoon.

Fortunately Modric will return on Tuesday night against Schalke, the perfect game for him to gain some minutes and build fitness ahead of what is looking like being one of the biggest Clasicos in recent years on 22nd March.

Modric should feature in that encounter as should Sergio Ramos', two first-choice players who have been missing while Madrid have faltered. Recovering them is the easy part. Recovering the form which conquered Europe and the world will take more work. 

Yet in a season which has seen more title race twists than a contortionists convention, it would be unwise to write off Madrid just yet.