Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has told Tottenham to expect a backlash in tonight’s meeting at the Bernabeu.
Madrid head into tonight’s first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie still sore from the shock defeat by Sporting Gijon that ended coach Jose Mourinho’s nine-year unbeaten home run that dates back to his days at FC Porto.
That loss has all but ended their hopes of winning the La Liga title, with Barcelona now eight points clear, and Ramos has warned Spurs that they are now determined to become kings of European football instead.
The Spain international said: “After the defeat against Sporting Gijon it's difficult for us to win La Liga, so the Champions League becomes our obligation.
“It is impossible for us to fail at this stage, in the quarter-finals.
“We ended the match against Sporting very unhappy, but now we have a chance to change the situation. We are focused on Tottenham.
“People say Real are the big favourites in this round, but in the quarter-finals nobody writes off their rivals.
“Tottenham are tough opponents, but if we don't beat Spurs and go through, it will be a disaster.”