Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti suffered the worst outcome possible when his star defender Eder Militao picked up an ACL injury, during the win over Osasuna.
But instead of bringing in Jesus Vallejo, an established centre-back with considerable experience at La Liga, the Italian decided to hand a first-team debut to Raul Asencio, a 21-year-old with no prior experience in top-flight football.
As reported by AS, Ancelotti's decision to bring in Asencio against Real Madrid greatly surprised Vallejo.
This is relevant especially because of the fact that the Italian tactician has always been apprehensive about giving any youth player the opportunity to play for the first team.
But against Osasuna, the Italian broke his golden rule and handed Asencio a debut in competitive football. The youngster did not disappoint either, producing a sensational assist just minutes into his debut.
Nevertheless, Raul Asencio's debut was a key reminder that Jesus Vallejo has now become an invisible entity at Real Madrid.
Despite being fit and ready to play, the Spanish defender has fallen behind in the pecking order, with no real hopes of a revival.
In the past, Ancelotti has preferred the likes of Dani Carvajal and Aurelien Tchouameni at centre-back ahead of Vallejo. And now, Raul Asencio has joined the list.
With Real Madrid likely to go after a centre-back in January, Vallejo's role at the club is unlikely to change anytime soon.
Despite this treatment, though, the Spaniard has never shown any desire to leave Real Madrid. His current contract at the club expires at the end of the season, so it will be interesting to see what's in store for the defender's future.