Madrid are having Real trouble finding the route to goal after loss to CSKA

Not since the days of David Beckham have Real Madrid gone so long without scoring. Tuesday’s 1-0 loss to CSKA Moscow in the Champions League was the Spanish giant’s third game without a goal — their worst run since the 2006-07 season.

Back then, Ruud van Nistelrooy scored to get Real out of their slump. This time around, Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui says he’s keeping faith in Karim Benzema, who hasn’t scored in six games. “It’s not just a problem for Benzema but for all the attacking players,” Lopetegui said. “We need to keep creating chances, that’s all we can do. I’m sure that sooner or later we’ll start scoring, with this level of dedication.”

Madrid hit the woodwork three times against a Russian team that went — and stayed — ahead through Nikola Vlasic’s goal in the second minute on a frustrating night for the reigning European champions.

Madrid lost 3-0 at Sevilla on Wednesday in the Spanish league and drew 0-0 in Saturday’s Madrid derby against Atletico.

“Playing at home, the early goal was the ideal situation for CSKA but we couldn’t use our chances,” Lopetegui said. With Sergio Ramos rested, the reigning European champions’ defence seemed disjointed and they conceded early when Vlasic intercepted a pass from Toni Kroos and struck the ball low past Keylor Navas.

Madrid slowly found their way into the game but had to contend with a tightly packed CSKA defence. Casemiro hit the post in the 28th minute with a speculative shot, Benzema headed on to the bar in the 40th, and Mariano Diaz hit the post late on.

Even with nearly 70 per cent possession and Luka Modric introduced off the bench, Real couldn’t break down CSKA.

The game ended in particularly frustrating style for Madrid as repeated headers from Diaz missed the target. Deep into stoppage time, CSKA goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev was sent off after collecting two quick yellow cards in a dispute with the referee. It came too late for Real.

When Dani Carvajal limped off just before half-time, Madrid seemed set to add to an injury list, which already contains Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Isco.

“It’s a muscle injury but we need to wait for the results of the analysis,” Lopetegui said.