Defensive conundrum leaves Mourinho stumped

The Real Madrid defence is a puzzle with a difference: there are thousands of different combinations, and these are rejigged almost daily. Whether because of suspensions, injuries, internal punishments or Mourinho's reshuffling – which has seen varying degrees of success – the Portuguese coach has been unable to field a regular backline this season.

So far this campaign, Mourinho has utilised 18 different defensive combinations in 32 matches (including the league, 'Copa del Rey', Spanish Super Cup and Champions League). In total – and excluding switch-ups during games that have seen the likes of Callejón and Xabi Alonso drop back into the defence – 10 different players have been deployed in Real Madrid's rearguard.

With Marcelo sidelined from October onwards, Mourinho's most regular backline has featured Arbeloa and Coentrao at full-back and Ramos and Pepe in the centre. Even then, this four has only lined up together seven times in 32 fixtures. Coentrao's fitness issues – not to mention his sending-off in Getafe and his various run-ins with Mourinho – have turned the left-back slot into a merry-go-round of comings and goings.

This lack of a settled left-back is a major reason why Real Madrid's defensive fortress has crumbled. The team sheet has included five different left-backs this season, and this upheaval has taken its toll on the right-hand side of defence, where no fewer than six different players have featured.