When Real Madrid host Sevilla FC on Saturday, many eyes will be on Sergio Ramos. With coach Carlo Ancelotti, the ex-captain has a stone in the board.
Cristiano Ronaldo? Had speculated on the corner at the first post. Gareth Bale? Didn’t get off the mark as Juanfran worked him over. But above the Welshman, Sergio Ramos flew in and headed the leather forcefully into the far corner. The 1-1 in the 93rd minute in the 2014 Champions League final hit Atletico Madrid right in the heart while keeping Real alive. In the end, the royals won 4:1 after extra time, “La Decima” was finally perfect.
On the bench then as now: Carlo Ancelotti. On Friday, the Italian looked back once again on the historic bull’s-eye. “The fact that I’m here today is thanks to Sergio Ramos,” he said, speaking of a “special affection” for his former captain. “If he hadn’t scored the goal in the final, I probably wouldn’t be here. Everyone is very fond of him, and it will be a good game.”
It would be similar for Ramos to score his first goal after returning to Sevilla FC against his former colleagues, of all people. The last one was a couple of years ago, on May 14, 2005, he scored for Sevilla in a 2-2 draw against – that’s right: Real Madrid. Ancelotti would also forgive him should the 37-year-old celebrate when he scores: “If he scores a goal, which I hope he doesn’t, then he can do what he wants. “
No grudge against Nagelsmann because of Rüdiger
One person who has to stop that is Antonio Rüdiger. However, the defender was called upon mightily during the international break, with coach Julian Nagelsmann using him for the full distance against both the USA (3:1) and Mexico (2:2) on the trip to America.
Ancelotti can live with that, he was bothered by something completely different than Rüdiger’s deployment times. “We are all a bit selfish. We all have our role, I don’t want to put myself in other people’s shoes,” he said in reference to Nagelsmann. “If they thought Rüdiger had to play, then that’s the way it is. He came back tired, but we can’t complain. We can complain about the schedule, which is too tight,” Ancelotti instead sought to blame FIFA’s schedule.
Ancelotti gets clear on Rodrygo
Generally speaking, the international returnees are in “good shape,” Ancelotti said. Also Rodrygo, who has recently made some headlines. The Brazilian had stated that he was too often used in the forward center, but preferred to play on the wing.
Ancelotti recalled once again Sergio Ramos, whom he had also once used as a six, although he did not like it. “Sometimes someone has to sacrifice himself for the team’s needs – like Tchouameni, Camavinga, Rodrygo himself. He is a complete striker, he can do many things. I think it’s about the demands of the team and then the individual.” In such cases, Ancelotti said, one speaks of “altruism. “
By the way, against Sevilla, David Alaba, who has been struggling lately, will also be able to start again. Only Dani Ceballos will have to do without Real in addition to the suspended Nacho.
The royals will need their strength, especially because of three away games in a row. After the match at the Estadio Sanchez Pizjuan, they will travel to Braga in Portugal on Tuesday as part of the Champions League. Four days later, FC Barcelona hosts the first “Clasico” of the season.
Real’s squad for the match in Sevilla
Goal: Lunin, Kepa, Diego Pineiro.
Defense: Carvajal, Alaba, Lucas Vazquez, Fran García, Rudiger, Mendy.
Midfield: Bellingham, Kroos, Modric, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni.
Attack: Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Joselu, Brahim Diaz
