Real Madrid ace Sergio Ramos has claimed Atletico Madrid's players were out to get him booked in Wednesday's Champions League clash at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Spain international had gone into the last-eight, second-leg
showdown in the Spanish capital knowing that a yellow card would earn
him a one-game suspension, thus ruling him out of the first leg of the
semi-finals.
Consequently, he claims he refused to rise to any acts of
provocation, particularly when Atleti defender Jose Gimenez fouled him
during the second half of a game that was decided by a late goal from
Javier Hernandez.
“It's just the usual on-pitch argument," Sergio Ramos is quoted as
saying by his club's official website after Madrid's 1-0 aggregate win.
"They were after me because they knew a booking would result in me
missing the semi-final and that I wasn't able to get involved.
"If they got me in another situation then perhaps it could have been
different but it wasn't going to happen today. I didn't have any
confrontations with anyone in the tunnel."
Indeed, the centre-back claimed he had kept his head throughout -
unlike red-carded Atleti midfielder Arda Turan - who the 29-year-old
felt could have no complaints about the second yellow card he picked up
with just 14 minutes remaining and the game still scoreless.
"That was a pivotal moment because he had been booked during the
first half and I think his studs were clearly showing," the World Cup
winner added.
"But it was a magical night, a really taxing and intense match
against a top team, the current La Liga champions and we shouldn't take
anything away from them.
"Madrid put in a great performance and imposed their quality and tempo.
"Football always gives you the chance for revenge and that's nice.
What better way than at home and in the quarter-finals of the Champions
League.
"They're magical nights that this sport gives you the opportunity to experience. We deserved to go through."
Sergio Ramos also felt that much of the credit for Madrid's victory
should go to coach Carlo Ancelotti, who had been under intense pressure
going into the game yet pulled off a clever tactical ploy by moving the
defender into midfield in the absence of Luka Modric.
“I would like to thank him from the bottom of my heart for the faith
he showed in me for such an important game," the Spain international
added.
"I always try to help the team and I like being challenged and playing in that position.
“It was a secret that was kept until the last minute. I knew about
the decision since Sunday because we had a test run at Camp Nou [against
Barcelona last month] that didn't go very well.
"I like coaches who are good people but, more importantly, who have
personality and Ancelotti is one of them. The coach deserves praise
today."
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