Ramos bemoans Madrid's missed chance to pounce on Barca slip-up
September 30, 2018 01:21 MYT
Sergio Ramos lamented Real Madrid's draw against city rivals Atletico Madrid as the European champions missed the opportunity to capitalise on Barcelona dropping points.
After crashing to a 3-0 loss at Sevilla last time out, Madrid dropped points in LaLiga for the second successive match following Saturday's goalless draw with Atletico at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Madrid were less than convincing on home soil, relying on the brilliance of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to secure a draw in the Spanish capital.
LaLiga holders Barca had earlier drawn 1-1 at home to Athletic Bilbao and Madrid captain Ramos told reporters post-game: "We knew the importance of these three points to take advantage of Barcelona slipping up. The draw feels disappointing after the great job we've done.
"In the first half Atletico pushed higher, but in the second we controlled the game and just missed the finishing touch that we've had in other games. We have to look forward now.
"The team dug in well, controlled the game and dominated, but we've not been successful in front of goal and we've dropped points."
Dani Ceballos impressed for Madrid after replacing injured team-mate Gareth Bale at half-time.
Bale suffered a suspected thigh injury and Spaniard Ceballos injected some much-needed energy into Madrid's attack.
"I think that it was a tactical and tough contest," Ceballos said. "We did enough in the second half to have won the game. If we show the same attitude as we did tonight, we can go on and achieve big things.
"Gareth had a bit of discomfort and Julen [Lopetegui] told me to go out there and just be myself and to run at Juanfran. It's a shame that after the bad knee injury he suffered he has been unable to perform to the same level.