Defiant skipper issues a warning
RAMOS: REAL ALWAYS PUT EVERYONE IN THEIR PLACE
Injury-ravaged Barcelona welcome Sevilla to Nou Camp.
Madrid
Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos warned those writing off the European champions will be “put in their place” despite an alarming slump in form that has left them eight points off Barcelona at the top of La Liga after just 10 games.
A 3-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League on Wednesday followed hot on the heels of a shock 2-1 reverse at promoted Girona as for only the second time in his short managerial career, Zinedine Zidane’s side have lost back-to-back matches.
“Real Madrid always come back and put everyone in their place,” said a bullish Ramos.
Madrid should be eased back into winning ways when Las Palmas visit the Santiago Bernabeu tomorrow.
They have meanwhile continued with their policy of recruiting the best young talent in Spain.
But Cristiano Ronaldo admitted they lack the same experience as the squad that claimed a first league and Champions League double for 59 years last season, whilst prolonged injuries to Dani Carvajal and Gareth Bale have also exposed their strength in depth.
“The players that have arrived have a lot of potential. Pepe, Morata, James made us stronger, but those that are here now are younger,” said Ronaldo.
“We also miss Carvajal and Bale.”
Barcelona welcome Sevilla to the Nou Camp today with the chance to open up an 11-point gap on Real on a run of 14 wins and two draws in their last 16 matches.
Barca have a mounting injury list to cope with as Sergi Roberto and Andre Gomes picked up hamstring injuries.
Ousmane Dembele, Rafinha and Arda Turan are also sidelined, while captain Andres Iniesta tries to shake off a thigh problem.
Sevilla, though, have lost their last four games in La Liga and Champions League on the road, conceding 12 times in the process.
Barca’s closest challengers are Valencia, four points back.
Marcelino Garcia Toral admitted this week Valencia’s start has been far beyond his wildest dreams and an eighth straight win in all competitions when Leganes visit the Mestalla today will close the gap to a solitary point at the top.
Atletico Madrid are level with Real in fourth but need a reaction to a dreadful week as their Champions League campaign looks over after being held 1-1 at home by Azerbaijanis Qarabag. –