Ramos: Real Madrid-Liverpool Should Have Ended 0-0

Real Madridsuffered just their second defeat in a dozen games since Juande Ramos took over as coach with Wednesday night’s 1-0 home loss to Liverpool in the first leg of their round of 16 Champions League clash.

The former Sevilla and Tottenham Hotspur trainer was disappointed with the setback, and he gave an in-depth analysis of the game during the post-match press conference.

“Our intention was to score at home and take an advantage to the second leg,” he was quoted as saying by Marca.

“But it was a very tight game, and Liverpool just waited for their opportunity to score and in the end, they took advantage from a set-piece and got their goal. I believe this game should have clearly ended 0-0."

“We knew it was going to be a very tactical game. They defended very well and closed off all our attacking routes, especially in the centre of the field, which was why I brought in Guti [at half-time] to give us more depth."

“But we still couldn’t do anything as they had two lines of defence and they just wouldn’t let us maneuver to find space.”

Juande then assessed Los Blancos’ chances of silverware this season, before looking ahead to the return leg in two weeks’ time.

He said, “To win any tournament is difficult. In the Champions League, we have a goal disadvantage, although there’s the second leg to look forward to."

“In La Liga, we currently have an upward momentum, but we’re still trailing Barcelona . All I know is that it is necessary to make progress in both competitions."

“For now, I do not know yet if I will make any chances for our game at Anfield. I have to analyze this match further and see which players I have available."

“One goal does not mean anything. It’s true that Liverpool have the advantage, but there are still another 90 minutes and if Madrid can play a good game, we can win at Anfield or anywhere.”

Liverpool have only lost three times so far this season in all competitions, two of them to Juande's former club, Tottenham.