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#3 Madrid, without Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos, are just an average side with individual talent
The difference that Ronaldo's departure has made to the Real Madrid squad was clearly evident on Tuesday.
This very Real Madrid team which won the Champions League last season dominating every European side along the way, was made to look ordinary by Ajax last night. And the difference? Definitely Cristiano Ronaldo, and possibly Sergio Ramos too.
The absence of Ramos left the defense exposed. Yes, it is true that Ajax would have eventually won, but the scoreline would not be so embarrassing with Ramos on the pitch.
Right now, Real Madrid seems just a bunch of players who are individually amongst the world's best, but together, are a shambolic team performing far below their capabilities.
Maybe the Real Madrid era is finally over and we might get to see a new era of Manchester City or Juventus from now on in the biggest European stages. This is a wake-up call for the management, who needs to act quickly to arrest the slide.
