When Real Madrid fell on away goals at the hands of third division minnows Real Union in October of 2008, it was perceived as the upset of the century. The Basque side, who, before that season, hadn’t been in the second division since 1965 and the top flight since before the Spanish Civil war. This was an upset the likes of which would never be seen again in many supporters’ lifetimes. The following summer, and as a result of impotency in Europe and the domestic league not the Copa, the Madrid brass spent hundred of millions of Euros on reassembling the Galacticos. Real Madrid would once again face a third division opponent, minuscule Alcorcon. Located in the Communidad de Madrid, just outside the bustling capital metropolis, Alcorcon would humiliate (and that is putting it nicely) their rivals in the first leg, outlasting Los Blancos in the return to make it two third division sides in two consecutive years.

With a new swagger about themselves and playing vastly improved defence under the ‘Special One,’ there was no way Murcia could make it three for three from the lowly Segunda B. Playing no holds barred defence in the first leg, Murcia stubbornly held Madrid to a 0-0 draw. Despite Los Blacos phenomenal form and unblemished record, one couldn’t help but wonder if history were going to repeat itself Wednesday night at the Bernabeu. It wouldn’t but the 5-1 final score line is still a bit misleading.

The hosts would take the lead on four minutes after inventive play on the wing from Pedro Leon would set up Esteban Granero’s well taken one-time shot. The golazo from the Spaniard would be all Murcia would concede until the cusp of halftime when Gonazalo Higuain knocked in a controversial goal to double Madrid’s advantage. Sergio Ramos very clearly interfered with the keeper from an offside position, however, the linesman’s flag remained at his side at Mourinho’s side took a undeserved 2-0 lead into the break.

Arguments are made that it is not the starting eleven, this is a reserve side; nevertheless, I strongly think a second string Madrid team could finish in the top half of the La Liga table; Murcia should serve as a diminutive challenge. Mourinho, who had labeled this the biggest game of Madrid season to date and was sent to the stands mid-match, would introduce three starters before Los Blancos would strike again. And it was two of those three, Angel di Maria and Cristiano Ronaldo, would orchestrate the host’s third with the Argentine threading a brilliant outside of the foot cross behind the backline of Murcia to the in-form Portuguese hit man who was waiting in the box. Antonio Sanchez Monino Pedro and Karim Benzema would exchange penalties before Xabi Alonso’s well taken set piece from the edge of the area would round out Madrid’s late ambush.

It is not questioning the quality of Real Madrid or belittling the monumental improvements seen on the pitch in areas where Los Blancos struggled a year ago. Not every match will a team be in top-form and even Mourinho’s perfect record through sixteen matches will surely falter as this year carries on; a poor performance is not a reason to right off a team of Madrid's quality. The questions that have arisen and possible weaknesses exposed are those surrounding Madrid’s depth. What was never seen as an issue with the plethora of talent at the Bernabeu may be just that, something of concern as the quest for trophies will continue to become more intense as the club advances in each competition. Very possibly it could be lack of first team competition or the lack of confidence that stems from extended periods on the sideline, but, regardless, it will be something interesting to watch for as the 2010-2011 campaign presses onward.