There was much speculation after the great deal of spending from Real Madrid this past summer; would it translate into a league victory? European success? As the most decorated club of the 20th century, there was much at stake for the second generation of los galacticos.

Acquiring the past two FIFA World Players of the Year was a start; Madrid was, in full affect, attempting to dethrone Barcelona, who had just won the treble (La Liga, Champions League and the Spanish King's Cup). The Bernabeu played host to the first game of the La Liga season as newly assembled Madrid was set to face Deportivo; however, the Galician team was not intimidated. Deportivo came out firing, keeping Madrid on their toes for an hour. The fixture showed, albeit a Madrid victory, that the back line of Los Blancos has not been fully secured and still misses the presence of Sergio Ramos.

Ramos' absence was apparent, as Deportivo were able to exploit Real's back four for two pedestrian goals. Meanwhile, Barcelona, the reigning champions, stormed out of the gates with a win versus Sporting Gijon, sending a message to Ronaldo and company that it will take more than millions of euros to wrestle the title from their grasp.

As the Catalans emphatically demonstrated with their demolition of Spain and Europe last season, what separates champions from runners-up is finding a way to win. Yes, I understand that if Madrid are competing in the Champions League then they are a quality club; nevertheless, the two equalizers scored by Deportivo highlighted a weakness at the back that could undermine their campaign.

It's also interesting to note that while the club spent over £200 million on the attacking talents of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema, and Xabi Alonso, club president and financial backer Florentino Perez has only spent a modest amount on Raul Albiol and Alvaro Arbeloa to add depth in defence. Italy captain and veteran defender Fabio Cannavaro was allowed to return to Juventus, taking away a much-needed level head in the absence of Pepe during the remainder of his domestic ban.

While the club is still performing at the top level, recording three points with every outing, early season lapses as those that occurred in the Deportivo game and this past Tuesday against FC Zurich will need to be corrected if Real are to mount a serious challenge for the trophies that currently reside in Barcelona's cabinet.

After establishing an early 3-0 lead, Real seemed in top form in Switzerland, only to concede two quick, sloppy goals to allow the Swiss champions back into the game until another Ronaldo set-piece cemented a Madrid victory. Everything considered, Real has done enough to earn points in all of their fixtures so far, with the lesser-named Lassana Diarra securing the win in the aforementioned first match against Deportivo.

Leaving the Bernabeu, along with Cannavaro, is the Dutch winger, Wesely Sneijder. The former Ajax flyer was signed in 2007 to fill the void left by David Beckham. The creative Dutchman was also meant to takeover command of set-pieces; however, injuries and mixed form prevented Sneijder from fulfilling his potential in the famed white shirt. With Sneijder now sold to become the focal point of Inter Milan's midfield, a more than adequate replacement has been purchased in the form of the current Ballon d'Or holder, Cristiano Ronaldo. A brilliant strike for his first goal set the stage for Madrid, and although his second should have been kept out, Real now posses a serious threat from distance.

While Ronaldo and all his goals may be the headlines of the Spanish papers, one must not forget the set-up created by the Brazilian, Kaka. Despite the Portuguese' greater price-tag, make no mistake that the onus will be on the man from Brasilia to conduct Real's new orchestra to domestic and European masterpieces. Finding ways to win when not on the best of form separate champions from the rest and thus far, Real has done just that, find a way to win.