thrashed

They also remain in a decent position in the Champions League group stage - despite being thrashed by Sporting - but know they must regain their form quickly to stay realistic contenders on all fronts.

Manchester United thrashed Leicester, external in the Carabao Cup at the end of October in Ruud van Nistelrooy’s first game as interim manager, but the Foxes had made nine changes from their previous league game.

England were thrashed by eight wickets in the series decider as the hosts romped home in pursuit of 264 with seven overs to spare.

As Barcelona thrashed Real Madrid on Saturday, there was a Spaniard in Abu Dhabi making sure football's El Clasico wouldn't dominate every headline in Spain the following morning.

They thrashed Sri Lanka and Pakistan, fought admirably against Australia but it was the opening defeat by New Zealand that left them with an uphill climb, one which proved too steep.