4. Ramos’s return against Chelsea, Champions League, Semifinal second-leg.
Sergio Ramos had picked up an unnecessary avoidable injury while on his national duty during the European qualifiers. He was out for several games but Zidane brought him back to the starting XI against Chelsea when the Club needed motivation from the back for a tough fixture.
However, Sergio Ramos’s return worked out horribly for the Whites. Firstly, the defensive pairing between him and Eder Militao looked way off-coordination. The days of hard work to develop a system between Nacho and Militao went to vain on an all-important day.
His overall work rate remained miserable and it seemed evident in his body language that the return was forced for an important fixture. The question would continue haunting for a few more days if Sergio Ramos cost the club a final berth as the match ended in a 2-1 victory for the blues and curtains on Real’s campaign.
3. Bringing Miguel Gutierrez to the Starting XI
Real Madrid had a lot of positives to note by the end of the season. And, a big one was the academy product, Miguel Gutierrez. After a dreadful show from Marcelo in the match against Sevilla and a range of sparking cameos by Miguel as a substitute, the latter finally made an appearance as a starter on Matchday 36.
Miguel impressed immense and made sure he wasn’t dropped from the starting role in the last three matches. His inclusion in the left-back position sparked a lot more energy and creativity up wide. His assist to Modric for the opener against Granada is something that stays a highlight of the league.
It yet again remained a question if bringing Miguel to the Starting XI earlier could have made the season different for Los Blancos and if a win against Sevilla was only dropping Marcelo away.