Real Madrid: 5 key players to watch against Monchengladbach

Real Madrid CB Sergio Ramos

Sergio Ramos missed Real Madrid’s last two Champions League games, and Los Blancos were predictably disastrous without their captain. Real fare out much worse in this competition without their reliable No. 4, as he was greatly missed last week in the 3-2 loss to Shakhtar Donetsk at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.

In El Clasico, Ramos was a standout, making great tackles to deny Lionel Messi and even getting on the scoresheet by drawing and scoring a penalty. You knew Ramos would lead the way against Barcelona, and he had a statement-making performance at the Camp Nou in the 3-1 win.

And on Tuesday night at the Borussia-Park, Ramos will make another statement by reaffirming his importance to the club. Borussia Monchengladbach have three excellent forwards in Marcus Thuram, Alassane Plea, and Breel Embolo, so Ramos and the rest of the defense must be at their best in this one.

With Ramos’ leadership and defensive qualities, Los Blancos should more than be able to rise to the challenge on the road. And maybe he has another goal in him. After all, he was Real’s second-highest goal-scorer in the 2019-2020 season, playing a crucial role in Los Merengues sewing up a 34th league title.