3 reasons why Real Madrid aren’t recording as many clean sheets this season
Sergio Ramos‘ injury-ridden season
El Capitano Sergio Ramos has had an injury ridden season. He is the best in the business, and in his absence, the team suffers a lot. They miss the value he brings as a defender and most importantly the energy and motivation which he brings to the team, as a captain. Real Madrid have suffered a lot in his absence, especially in the last two years (including the nightmarish second legs against Ajax and Manchester City in 18/19 and 19/20 UCL Rounds of 16 respectively). This season hasn’t been any different.
He has missed 11 games so far in all competitions this season due to different injuries, and Real Madrid have conceded 14 goals in those games and kept just three clean sheets. Though Nacho did well in his absence, he couldn’t make up for that charisma of Ramos. Ramos’ leadership has been an important factor behind Real Madrid’s success in the UCL between 2014 and 2018 and in the last LaLiga season. The team just couldn’t find a way to cope up with his absence.
He already had two injuries this season and missed few games due to suspension and a gastric issue. The latest setback is a meniscus injury in his left knee, which required surgery. He will miss four to six weeks after the surgery and will miss many important games, which include the two UCL Round of 16 fixtures against Atalanta. Real Madrid have to find a way to adjust in the next month and a half, but injuries to other players aren’t helping their case. It’s very difficult to replicate Sergio Ramos’ performances, but there’s no other option right now, and Zidane has to keep playing Nacho or Militao (who’s reportedly injured at the moment) to cover up for his absence.
Right now there are rumours of Sergio Ramos leaving Real Madrid for free this summer, and reportedly the contract renewal discussions between Ramos’ entourage and President Florentino Perez aren’t going that well. Real Madrid should try their best to make him stay at the club and they shouldn’t expect Alaba or any other arrival to make up for his absence. Ramos is the heart of Real Madrid’s backline and if he leaves the club in the future, there must be a smooth transition.