Madrid derby could turn a drama into a Real crisis

Thinking the unthinkable does not come easily to managers, least of all José Mourinho.

Four points is a decent lead to take into the final month of the title race, but it was 10 points just a months ago and by tomorrow night, when Real Madrid take on Atletico, it may well be down to just one.

So strong for so long, Mourinho’s team have drawn three of their last five games. Against both Malaga andVillarreal they dropped points after being a goal up; against Valencia on Sunday they simply couldn’t score, despite the efforts of their record-breaking attack.