Real Madrid have endured a week in which everything collapsed. After the euphoria of a 6-1 win against Mallorca on September 22, crisis is a reality after three games without a win.
It all started with a goalless draw against Villarreal at the Bernabeu. Real began to show deficiencies that existed before, but which had been disguised with victories.
The bad omens were confirmed in the Champions League against Sheriff in the 2-1 home defeat. It was a shock and a big setback with the team showing too much defensive weakness.
The hat-trick of poor results was completed with Sunday's 2-1 defeat against Espanyol. A bad end to an awful week for manager Carlo Ancelotti.
The criticism is unanimous and focuses on the defence. The Italian coach has not found the key at the back to making Real a solid and reliable team, and the continuous changes in the players' positions are not helping.
Everyone knows that Ancelotti is struggling with Dani Carvajal's injuries and Ferland Mendy's prolonged absence, but the carousel of confused changes is the target of fierce judgment.
Ancelotti has tried everything when it comes to forming a defence, but in a muddled way.
The best example is Nacho, who in one week played at right-back, left-back and central defence. Ancelotti went so far as to put Federico Valverde at right-back and Eduardo Camavinga at left-back. The coach has tried three players on the right side of the defence (Lucas Vazquez, Valverde and Nacho) and on the left he has already fielded David Alaba, Miguel Gutierrez and Nacho.
It is a bewildering tactic difficult to unravel for the players and the fans.
Real Madrid slump against Sheriff
In Madrid, it was never thought that the post-Sergio Ramos-Raphael Varane era would be so difficult.
The midfield is another testing ground for Ancelotti, who has also been criticised by the club's hierarchy for a change in the style that has raised doubts in the dressing room and with them, problems on the field.
Ancelotti appears to have lost his talismanic influence, even if Real are still just clinging on to top spot in La Liga.
The attack no longer compensates for the serious defensive problems. Although it is the most productive area - Real are the top scoring team in the league with 22 goals, nine ahead of Rayo Vallecano - Karim Benzema's goals are no longer enough to disguise the team's problems.
Real had a promising start to the season but that has been undermined, despite their lofty position and remaining high hopes in the Champions League.
With more European dates on the horizon, Ancelotti has the international break to improve his team and get it right. He has to do it and he has the capabilities to turn off the warning lights.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
'Worse than a prison sentence'
Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.
“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.
“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.
“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.
“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.
“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
The biog
Age: 30
Position: Senior lab superintendent at Emirates Global Aluminium
Education: Bachelor of science in chemical engineering, post graduate degree in light metal reduction technology
Favourite part of job: The challenge, because it is challenging
Favourite quote: “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” Gandi
The biog:
Favourite book: The Leader Who Had No Title by Robin Sharma
Pet Peeve: Racism
Proudest moment: Graduating from Sorbonne
What puts her off: Dishonesty in all its forms
Happiest period in her life: The beginning of her 30s
Favourite movie: "I have two. The Pursuit of Happiness and Homeless to Harvard"
Role model: Everyone. A child can be my role model
Slogan: The queen of peace, love and positive energy
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Know your Camel lingo
The bairaq is a competition for the best herd of 50 camels, named for the banner its winner takes home
Namoos - a word of congratulations reserved for falconry competitions, camel races and camel pageants. It best translates as 'the pride of victory' - and for competitors, it is priceless
Asayel camels - sleek, short-haired hound-like racers
Majahim - chocolate-brown camels that can grow to weigh two tonnes. They were only valued for milk until camel pageantry took off in the 1990s
Millions Street - the thoroughfare where camels are led and where white 4x4s throng throughout the festival
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Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
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