Ramos braced for battle as he sends Liverpool message over season-defining week

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos says that he is “looking forward” to a season-defining period including Champions League ties with Liverpool.

Madrid return from the international break looking to strengthen their claims for silverware. Zinedine Zidane’s men sit third in La Liga, two points behind Barcelona and six off leaders Atletico Madrid. While Copa del Rey triumph is out of the question, though, Los Blancos are in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Indeed, Madrid face Liverpool in the first leg next Tuesday before the return leg on April 14.

However, a mouthwatering El Clasico with Barcelona sandwiches the ties with Jurgen Klopp’s men.

As such, their hopes of silverware could be over in the space of a week.

Speaking to Madrid Xtra, Ramos insisted he has braced himself for a crucial period in the campaign.

He also faced further questions over his future; the 35-year-old’s contract runs out in the summer and there is no news over his future as yet.

“I’ve already been clear about my future,” he said. There is no news about my contract.

Real Madrid captain Ramos hopes Messi stays at Barcelona

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos wants Lionel Messi to stay at Barcelona.

“I’m focused on playing well and giving my best version. With Real Madrid we play almost the entire season in a week.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Despite the three crucial games, Madrid must return to action in strong fashion against Eibar on Saturday.

Ahead of their meetings with Liverpool, debate has emerged about the subplots of the match following the meeting between the sides in the 2018 final.

Liverpool have sorted their goalkeeping situation out after Loris Karius’ howlers. However, Karim Benzema, who scored twice in 2018, is enjoying another strong season.

Ramos, Salah battle to recommence

Ramos’ battle with Mohamed Salah will prove another key talking point.

The defender’s challenge in the 2018 final left the Egyptian winger with a shoulder injury which forced him off the Kiev pitch.

Speaking to Marca, Salah insisted that he is not thinking about renewing his rivalry with the centre-back.

READ MORE: Salah comes clean on how he really feels about renewing Ramos rivalry