Real Madrid should look to the example set by tennis icons Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer to help them through a current crisis that has seen them fall 19 points behind Barcelona.
Barcelona continue to fret over the future of Lionel Messi, who can talk to rival clubs in the New Year when he enters the final six months of his deal.
The writing is on the wall for Antoine Griezmann as the France and Atletico Madrid positions himself for a summer move, with Manchester United interested.
Paco Alcácer and Andre Gomes were destined to leave Barcelona, but their new roles under Ernesto Valverde have given them a renewed lease of life at the Nou Camp.
Adnan Januzaj is finally showing signs of fulfilling his potential at Real Sociedad to raise the prospect of him one day returning to Manchester United.