As Real Madrid make their return to the hostile Camp Nou on Sunday for yet another El Clásico, Sergio Ramos will look to keep his impressive streak in Barcelona alive.
Here is a stat manager Zinedine Zidane might like to know ahead of the match against FC Barcelona: Sergio Ramos has never seen his side lose when he sports the captain’s armband.
While it may only be three matches dating back to the 2015/2016 season, the Spanish center back has led Los Blancos to two wins and a draw while in charge on the pitch. While this may have something to do with Zidane being the manager for these three results, Ramos deserves some recognition for what he has done.
In the 2016 meeting between the two sides, Real Madrid rallied from a goal down in the second half to secure a 2-1 win thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo’s late winner. Although Ramos was the captain of the side to start the match, he did not end the match as captain.
He was sent off with his second yellow card in the 83rd minute after a tough challenge on Luis Suarez. Despite being down a man, Real Madrid pulled out a brilliant late goal and grabbed all three points.
The following season, Real Madrid managed a 1-1 draw with the Balarunga after again trailing late in the second half. This time around, Sergio kept his cool and saw out the 90 minutes.
It was the captain who, in typical Sergio Ramos form, headed home the lone goal for Real. The clutch finish came just seconds before stoppage time as number 4 redirected a picture-perfect free-kick from Luka Modric.
The draw kept Real Madrid six points ahead of Barca in the league table and was a huge moment in last season’s La Liga title.
The third match Ramos captained his side in the Camp Nou was the first-leg of the Spanish Super Cup this past August. In this match, Los Blancos surprisingly grabbed the lead early in the second half thanks to a Gerard Pique own goal.
But, Lionel Messi struck back 25 minutes later, converting from the penalty spot after Suarez dove and drew the call from the referee.
But, thanks to Ramos’ leadership and the substitution of Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid scored twice in the final 10 minutes and grabbed a huge 3-1 away win.
While Ramos hasn’t captained Real a lot in the Camp Nou, history has proven over the last few years that good things happen when he has that captain’s armband on. Sunday night in Barcelona will be no different as Sergio will look to lead his side to a victory over hated Barcelona.
Next: Zinedine Zidane: Real Madrid will do everything they can to beat FC Barcelona
The game may hold no implications in the La Liga title race, but the rivalry will be in flying colors once again when both sides kickoff on matchday 36.