Madrid captain Ramos insists defending champions won't be intimidated by Vicente Calderon atmosphere against Atletico in semi-final second leg tonight
Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo heads the ball during a training session yesterday ahead of their Champions League semi-final second leg clash against Atletico Madrid tonight. Real won the first leg 3-0 last week thanks to a hat-trick by their Portuguese striker. Pic/PTI
Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos insists the European champions will not be cowered by an intimidating atmosphere as they visit Atletico Madrid's Vicente Calderon for the final time tonight.
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Los Blancos are looking to seal their place in the Champions League final once more and enjoy a commanding 3-0 first leg lead.
And Ramos hit back at the simplification of the rivalry between the two Madrid giants as Real's riches against Atletico's hard work.
"It seems like here we have grown up in Beverly Hills," said Ramos. "Here there are people from humble backgrounds too. The sacrifice is what fills you with desire to win."
Sergio Ramos
An already intense rivalry has reached new levels in recent seasons as under Diego Simeone Atletico's status and ability to challenge Real has grown.
However, the red and white side of Madrid has consistently fallen short against Real in the Champions League.
Even by their standards Real are on the verge of completing the most glorious season in the club's decorated history. Zinedine Zidane's men are three games away from a first league title in five years and, should they complete a La Liga and Champions League double, it will be Real's first since 1957/58.
Moreover, they could become the first side in the Champions League era to retain the trophy.
And Ramos insisted he is relishing a challenging end to the campaign rather than wilting under the pressure.
"There is no feeling of vertigo. The contrary, it is in our own hands," added the Spanish international.
"The good part of the season is coming, there are two weeks left and we'll see what happens in the end. I would settle to be in this position every year," Ramos added.
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