Real Madrid full-back Marcelo has claimed that his side are at their lowest point since he arrived at the club after falling 16 points adrift of La Liga leaders Barcelona.
The reigning Spanish champions face an almighty task if they are to retain their crown, having been held to a 2-2 draw by Celta Vigo on Sunday evening - the eighth time they have dropped points this term.
Long-serving defender Marcelo did not hold back when asked about Madrid's current predicament, admitting that it feels as though they are sinking and in desperate need of a lift following a disastrous campaign to date.
"We're sad and we're fucking sunk," he told reporters. "We're trying to get out of this mess and we're working to do that, but we don't like this at all. It is one of the worst situations I've experienced here.
"It's difficult because the more matches you draw or lose, the more the pressure increases. We can't do anything else. We do what we can, we try to play good football, score goals and circulate the ball, but it's not happening for us. There's no choice but to show your best face and fight. Fight and give your best so you can win."
Madrid take on Numancia in the second leg of their Copa del Rey last-16 tie on Wednesday night, before then hosting Villarreal in La Liga.