On either side of a gritty derbi madrileño, Real Madrid dropped two very crucial points in their title chase with Barcelona. The second half of the season has just begun, yet with Barcelona’s form, who knows how many points will be too steep a precipice to climb. Thursday night, however, the news was positive in the capital city as Los Blancos defeated their cross-town rivals for a third time already this year, earning a place in the semifinals of La Copa del Rey. A two-leg tie with Sevilla is the only thing that stands between Mourninho’s side and a possible cup final match up with the infamous Barcelona.

Rumors around the capital have linked a number of strikers (yet again) to the Bernabeu, while Mourinho’s latest antics questioned the Portuguese manager’s relationship with the Madrid brass (In response to Jose's request to adding a striker in the absence of Higuain, an unnamed Madrid director lashed out saying something along the lines of: why would you ask for a 'number 9' when you leave the one we have on the bench.'). Mourinho may have Madrid playing phenomenal football but it is no secret, he is a hired gun. Whether the end of this season or in two years, Mourinho is not Madrid’s long-term answer to their managerial merry-go-round. ‘The Special One’ is going to run his mouth and draw attention, but the Madrid hierarchy needs to stay out of it. Mourinho will leave when he wants to leave, he has his own agenda and has never been shy about it.

As for the question of a new striker, well, that will depend on how much Valdano and company wish to spend. Their desperation is evident, and when combined with the names they are linked to, no ‘number 9’ will come discounted. With less than a fortnight remaining in the January window, plenty have names have graced the front pages of Marca; however, there really is no clear cut favorite. The Tevez link looked the strongest when the Argentine asked for an exit from the City of Manchester Stadium; nevertheless, the Argentina star seems to have settled in (again?) to his surroundings in Northern England. His teammate Emmanual Adebayor, who has struggled for a starting spot since his departure from Arsenal, has been linked with a City exit. The question it rises for Madrid is: why would you want to replace one lazy 'number 9' with another? Romelu Lukaku has been a target of Mourinho for some time now, but the Belgian teen will certainly come at a steep price. Higuain has vowed to play again this season but Madrid need answers now. Ten days remain in January, it is not too late for the capital side to bolster their attack in lieu of what should be a tough Champions League draw.

Marcleo provided an interesting twist to the story Thursday night at the Calderon. Doing his best Gareth Bale impression, the Brazilian caused chaos along the left flank for 90 minutes. An ugly match that saw five fouls from former Arsenal youth Fran Merida, before the break, Marcelo provided great, consistent pace outside. With the Brazilian pushed forward, Mesut Ozil and Cristiano Ronaldo were able to roam the central forward position at their own discretion. Leveraging the creativity this produced, Los Blancos would score the only goal of the match after a exquisite display of ball control and passing. Madrid would take the spoils, continuing their incredible form against the Rojiblancos and setting up their draw with holders Sevilla. Barcelona advanced despite a 3-1 second leg loss at Real Betis, drawing Almeria in the other semi-final, keeping in place what could be an epic cup final.

Although the Copa del Rey may not represent the epitome of success for Los Blancos, an unexpected derby draw, resulting in causing even more frustration across the Manzanares, can certainly be parlayed into new confidence after an irritating draw at the weekend. Refereeing bias asides, Madrid simply cannot afford to drop points to Barcelona. Playing host to a reputable Mallorca side on Sunday, Madrid needs to get their league form back on track immediately. Understanding four months still remain in the campaign, one does not want to find themselves too far behind an unparalleled squad such as Los Azulgranas.