The Real Champs
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Real Madrid: 5 players who must shine against Espanyol

By Kevin Parvizi

MADRID, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 06: Rodrygo Goes of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his third goal during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Real Madrid and Galatasaray at Bernabeu on November 06, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 06: Rodrygo Goes of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his third goal during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Real Madrid and Galatasaray at Bernabeu on November 06, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /
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Real Madrid CB Sergio Ramos
VITORIA GASTEIZ, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 30: Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid during the La Liga Santander match between Deportivo Alaves v Real Madrid at the Estadio de Mendizorroza on November 30, 2019 in Vitoria Gasteiz Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

CB Sergio Ramos

Sergio Ramos kept things ticking as a passer in last week’s 2-1 win over Deportivo Alaves and had a solid defensive performance for most of the match, but he made mistakes when it mattered most. The captain could have easily given up a couple of more penalties, but he did allow one penalty with a stupid foul on Joselu to nearly gift Alaves a point.

Lately, Ramos has looked shakier than usual. He had a few great games in November, but he had some awful moments, including a straight-up giveaway for Real Sociedad’s only goal two Saturdays ago. And that mistake occurred in the first five minutes of the match.

With Real’s attack stretched thin due to injuries to Hazard and Bale, Los Blancos’ defense must once again step up to the plate. And no single player will be asked to carry more responsibility than Ramos, who is one of the best defenders in the world when he isn’t making confusing errors. Ramos, again, has enjoyed a good season, but this is a critical month for him and the team.

Plus, Ramos may have to be the hero again on offense, just as he was in October against Club Brugge. Ramos’ goal-scoring record at the center back position is literally legendary, and the legend may need to step up on offense in front of the Bernabeu crowd in order to truly dispatch Espanyol on Saturday.

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