Real Madrid will have to stick to an improvised defense when it tries to hold on to its narrow lead of La Liga this weekend.

MADRID — Real Madrid’s problems on defense have been compounded by a muscle injury to David Alaba. Alaba has “an adductor injury in his left leg,” the club said on Tuesday.

Pep Guardiola has made it clear—defense will be the decisive factor in Manchester City’s upcoming Champions League clash against Real Madrid. The Spanish manager emphasized the need for defensive discipline,

Alarm bells are ringing for Real Madrid's defense. If a few days ago it was Antonio Rüdiger whose injury was confirmed, which would keep him out of the game, now it's David Alaba, who had only recently returned from a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury.