Switching Ramos was key

MADRID – Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti ’ s decision to deploy defender Sergio Ramos in central midfield was the key to Wednesday ’ s 1-0 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid, according to captain Iker Casillas.

Ramos, who normally plays as a centre-back, was in the thick of the action throughout the quarterfinal, second-leg tie at the Bernabeu.

Ancelotti ’ s ploy with Ramos was a surprise as he had used the same tactic in Real ’ s La Liga 2-1 defeat at Barcelona last month and was widely criticised after the reverse.

“That ’ s what the coach believed he should do and he [Ramos] played a fundamental role and we all benefited,” Casillas said.

“Sometimes you also have to take on board your opponents ’ way of playing and today [Wednesday] we were really firm and solid in the midfield,” added the 33-year-old Spain goalkeeper.

Real will find out their opponents in the Champions League last four when the draw is made today.

La Liga rivals Barcelona, German champions Bayern Munich and Italian champions Juventus are also through.

Meanwhile, Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri insists his side will not be in the Champions League semifinals just to make up the numbers after the Italian giants edged past Monaco on Wednesday.

The Serie A leaders played out a 0-0 second-leg draw at the Stade Louis II to win their quarterfinal tie 1-0 on aggregate, Arturo Vidal ’ s penalty in Turin last week proving to be the difference.

Allegri is hoping to reach the final of the Champions League. “There would be no point in qualifying if we didn ’ t want to go even further. We will of course look to reach the final.” and