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November proved to be a revealing month for Real Madrid, a period where the quest for identity and balance took centre stage. While victories hinted at the team's potential, underlying concerns remained a troubling footnote threatening to derail their progress.

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The month began with a stark reminder of the team's vulnerabilities. The 3-1 defeat to AC Milan in the Champions League exposed defensive frailties, especially in midfield, and a lack of a clearly defined playing system. Individual errors were prominent, and the usually reliable defence appeared susceptible to Milan's attack. This loss raised questions about Real Madrid's ability to compete at the highest level, particularly with some key players out of form.

However, the team responded with an emphatic performance against Osasuna. Vinícius Júnior, with a spectacular hat-trick, showcased his exceptional quality and spearheaded the team to an unquestionable victory. This display, reminiscent of the epic comeback against Dortmund in October, confirmed the impact of individual brilliance amidst collective uncertainty.

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The win against Leganés, although against weaker opposition, offered further encouragement. Ancelotti experimented with formations and personnel, demonstrating tactical flexibility. The blossoming of Güler's talent and Mbappé's long-awaited first goal injected a much-needed dose of optimism into the squad.

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Amidst these challenges, a tactical shift emerged. Ancelotti appears to have settled on the 4-3-3 as his preferred formation, abandoning the 4-4-2 that proved ineffective against Milan. This suggests a move towards a more balanced and cohesive approach.

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However, November also brought a series of challenges that tested the depth and resilience of the squad. Injuries continued to disrupt the team, with Militao and Lucas Vázquez joining the list of absentees. Militao's long-term absence leaves Rüdiger as the only elite centre-back, forcing Ancelotti to turn to the academy for reinforcements, and youngsters like Raúl Asencio being fast-tracked into the first team. And it's worth noting how well Asensio has adapted to this unexpected role, demonstrating his versatility and composure. 

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The injury to Lucas Vázquez, coupled with Carvajal's continued absence, further compounded the problem at right-back. This lack of depth necessitates creative solutions, such as using Valverde as a makeshift full-back. This in turn has a ripple effect on the midfield balance, especially with Tchouaméni also sidelined.

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To further complicate matters, Vinícius Júnior suffered an injury after the Leganés match. This is a major concern, as the team has shown an over-reliance on the Brazilian's individual brilliance. With Mbappé still struggling to find his form and consistency, the loss of Vinícius could severely hamper Real Madrid's attacking threat.

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Just as Real Madrid seemed to be finding their footing, they suffered a catastrophic setback against Liverpool at Anfield. Despite fielding a creative 4-2-2-2 formation that turned into a 4-4-2 when defending, and a 4-2-3-1 when attacking, Ancelotti's men were outclassed by a rampant Liverpool side. Mbappé, tasked with leading the attack in Vinicius' absence, struggled to make an impact and missed a crucial penalty. This defeat highlighted the team's continued struggles in the Champions League and raised further doubts about their ability to compete against Europe's elite. With three losses in the group stage, Real Madrid now face a difficult battle to qualify for the knockout rounds, a truly concerning situation for the reigning champions.

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Despite the glimmers of hope, November ultimately ended on a sour note for Real Madrid. Ancelotti must address the team's defensive problems, find a way to cope with the absence of key players, and unlock Mbappé's potential if they are to salvage their Champions League campaign and challenge for silverware this season. The injuries and the Liverpool defeat have undoubtedly made his task more difficult, but they have also highlighted the resilience and adaptability within the squad.
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Read about the individual matches in more detail, with play-by-play accounts and tactical analysis here: