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Frozen-Out Isco: Can the Real Madrid Midfielder Find His Way in from the Cold?

Last week, Real Madrid lost again—1-0 to Leganes at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque in the second leg of their Copa del Rey last-16 fixture, but they went through to the next round 3-1 on aggregate.

Midway through the second half of the game, Madrid coach Santiago Solari withdrew Isco. As the midfielder trundled off the pitch, he passed a few feet from the Argentinian, who was standing on the edge of his technical area.

Both men looked uncomfortable sharing each other's space. Solari stared straight ahead, avoiding eye contact and toying with the cuffs of his coat instead of offering the traditional handshake or hug for a substituted player.