Isco has put Real Madrid's shaky form in La Liga down to the side "lacking a bit of freshness" in the closing months of the season.
Los Blancos have slipped to second in the Spanish top flight having gone two games without a win, with their misery compounded by Barcelona storming to a 6-1 victory against Rayo Vallecano earlier today to climb to the summit.
Speaking after his team's latest setback, a 1-0 reverse at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday evening, Isco is quoted by the Daily Mail as saying: "We leave here with a bad feeling in our stomachs.
"This is now two straight games without a win and that is a real shame. Lately we have been lacking a bit of freshness up front and that is not normal for Real Madrid, but it is a matter of phases."
Madrid take on rivals Barcelona later this month, and the Spanish playmaker is hoping to see a quick response.
"The league is difficult but it is long and we'll go to Camp Nou in a couple of weeks with all the enthusiasm in the world," he added. "It is a decisive match."
Next up for Carlo Ancelotti's men is a Champions League last-16 second-leg tie against Schalke 04.
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