Real Madrid Real covered season-high distance against Levante

It may have all seemed doom and gloom as half of the Real Madrid team struggled with cramp towards the end of their game against Levante, but that is not the case. Their situation is actually great news for the club. When a team are off their game and lacking their usual spark, good old-fashioned grit is sometimes just what the doctor ordered.

The Bernabéu faithful will rarely boo a player for signalling to come off because he simply has nothing more to give. Of course, Real Madrid's current lack of form cannot be solved by simply running more, but it is a good start to turning around the club's fortunes.

Los Blancos ran more against Levante than against anyone else all year: 116 kilometres. Half of the starting XI, which included several new faces, struggled with cramp due to their physical exertions out on the pitch. Lucas Vázquez clocked up more than anyone with 12.34km, ahead of Toni Kroos (11.70km) and Nacho (11.10km).

The club's injury woes have forced Zidane to field several players who are eager to prove their worth. Mayoral, Lucas and Nacho brought a breath of fresh air to a team who appear to have lost their way. What they lack in sheer genius, they make up for with eagerness and fresh legs. It appears that the club's academy might be the solution to turning this misfiring Real Madrid team's season around.