Audio By Carbonatix
Sergio Ramos claimed his share of a rather unwanted record on Wednesday as he saw red during Manchester City's stunning Champions League comeback.
The Real Madrid captain was largely untested for much of the first hour at Santiago Bernabeu as Pep Guardiola's men took on an unusually cautious approach to the last 16 tie.
With no recognised centre-forward on the pitch and Gabriel Jesus utilised on the left wing, Ramos was allowed to indulge his attacking instincts, surging into the box shortly after Isco had put the hosts ahead 1-0 and blazing a decent chance over the bar.
When the tables were turned, however, the Spain legend looked shell-shocked, with diminutive Jesus towering over him to win a header and equalise for Pep's charges with 77 minutes played.
Barely five minutes had passed before City completed their comeback, Kevin De Bruyne slotting home from the spot to end the club's recent penalty woes and put the visitors 2-1 up.
And Madrid's misery was compounded when Ramos chopped down Jesus with the Brazilian was clear on goal, leaving referee Daniele Orsato no choice but to show the red card.
That expulsion took the star up to four in his long Champions League career, a tally that many observers might be forgiven for thinking is on the low side given his notoriously on the limit, antagonistic style of play.
Nevertheless, he now shares in a competition record, with only two other players in history earning as many early baths in Europe.
Edgar Davids and Zlatan Ibrahimovic both accrued four during their illustrious careers, with the latter still active at AC Milan - although the Rossoneri last played the Champions League in 2013-14.
If any of that trio is likely to claim the mark outright, then, you would put your money on Madrid's combustible enforcer. Perhaps even more impressively, Wednesday marked Ramos' 26th career dismissal, just one behind ex-Nice star Cyril Rool, who holds second place in the all-time red card standings.
Ramos, though, is unlikely to ever reach Colombian hothead Gerardo Bedoya, who accrued an incredible 46 reds over 20 years for club and country.
In the meantime, Ramos will be a big absence for Madrid in the return leg as he is forced to play out his one-game suspension for a professional foul.
Madrid will play the return leg in Manchester on March 17, knowing they must score at least twice if they are to have any hope of advancing past the last-16 stage.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Supreme Court will dismiss Kpandai case; it lacks merit – NDC’s Tanko Computer
3 minutes -
Oil and gas to remain key to Ghana’s economic survival despite Green Transition – Energy Ministry
10 minutes -
Leading food retailer Carrefour Group taking over Shoprite franchise in Ghana
12 minutes -
Manhunt resumes for Brown University gunman after ‘person of interest’ released
33 minutes -
PLANETech 2026 action plan focuses on Ghana and Africa projects
34 minutes -
e-Crime Bureau inaugurates third Board of Directors
55 minutes -
5 most memorable moments in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations
58 minutes -
Kennedy Agyapong’s vision to become president is genuine – Kwasi Kwarteng
59 minutes -
H4P marks 10th anniversary with medical outreach in honour of Christina Hackman
1 hour -
Former Cyber Security Authority Boss appointed Executive Chairman of e-Crime Bureau
1 hour -
Lands minister holds talks with CSOs to polish Ghana’s lithium agreement
1 hour -
Hussein Mohammed: Hearts midfielder hit with three match ban for attempting to slap referee
2 hours -
Ukraine ceasefire talks continue as US says ‘progress was made’
2 hours -
Airbnb fined £56m by Spain for advertising unlicensed properties
2 hours -
Uncle Ebo Whyte wraps ‘Order for Four’, blends politics, love, and music in festive stage hit
2 hours
