Real Madrid are paying the price for thinking it would be easier to win without Cristiano Ronaldo, according to a former Los Blancos manager.

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The Portuguese shocked the footballing world when he left the European champions to join Juventus before the season.

Los Blancos have struggled in LaLiga  since Ronaldo's departure, as they sit in sixth position and have already suffered five losses.

Former Real manager Fabio Capello believes Los Blancos has lost a bit of their fear factor since Ronaldo's exit.

"Maybe Real Madrid will be going into this worse in terms of form. They are paying the price for thinking that it would be easier to win without Cristiano Ronaldo, and that the results would be the same.

"When Cristiano was at Real Madrid, their rivals were frightened, and his team mates felt more liberty. He can create problems at any moment.

"But having said that, Madrid still have a lot of quality. And Marcelo and Carvajal are now back from injury."

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Do you think Ronaldo's exit is the reason for Real's struggles? Have your say in the comment section below.