The seeds of Real Madrid's desperately poor campaign were planted during the World Cup when they announced the appointment of Julen Lopetegui to the surprise of the Spanish football association (RFEF). The former Roja boss assumed the role under a cloud of ill will in Spain and things didn't get much better after that.
While Lopetegui was familiar with many of Real's stars from the national team, he was unable to inspire them as his predecessor Zinedine Zidane had. In 14 games, Lopetegui's Madrid won six and lost six, drawing twice, and their goal difference was a measly +1. Such a disastrous start to the campaign left the team totally demoralised and that was encapsulated in their 5-1 Clasico defeat to Barcelona in October, which ultimately cost Lopetegui his job.