Real Madrid's defense shaky without Ramos, Los Blancos lost 7 of 9 games without skipper

Defending LaLiga champions Real Madrid's struggling form stands exposed with Los Blancos conceding a second consecutive defeat on Tuesday. Zinedine Zidane's men were left disgruntled by Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk, who smashed two second-half goals to halt Real Madrid's progress in Round of 16, although temporarily. And club have been feeling  absence of skipper Sergio Ramos, who has been leading backline for more than a decade w. 

Also Read | Champions League results and highlights: Shakhtar HAMMER Real Madrid, Bayern hold Atletico

Shakhtar vs Real Madrid highlights: Defeat reignites Zidane sacked rumours 

A victory for Real Madrid could have ensured a spot in final 16 of Champions League on Tuesday. But, wait seems to have prolonged until final matchday, which could decide club's way forward at European st. Two second-half goals from Dentinho and Mar Solomon were eugh to sink travelling side. 

Interestingly, this is second successive defeat, with club failing to bag three points against Alaves last weekend. defeat against Shakhtar has exposed club's hollowness. Moreover, manr, who was maestro behind Los Blancos' triple Champions League title wins, has come under scanner.

Also Read | Real Madrid fans prefer Dortmund hitman Erling Haaland over PSG superstar Mbappe: Report

Injury crisis at Real Madrid haunts Zidane 

However, club have suffered on injury front as well. Real Madrid superstar Eden Hazard was subbed off in game against Alaves and was subsequently excluded from Champions League squad. Striker Luka Jovic is on sidelines after he tested positive for vel coronavirus while with Serbian national team. 

Moreover, Zidane has been without club captain Sergio Ramos for a while w. 34-year-old centre-back pulled up his hamstring during Spain's cruising 6-0 victory against Joachim Leow's Germany during international break. And his absence has exposed hollowness in Real Madrid's backline with duo of Raphael Varane and Nacho Fernandez unable to hold guard. 

Also Read | Eden Hazard has had more injuries than his goal contributions since joining Real Madrid

Real Madrid defence shaky in absence of Sergio Ramos 

A startling stat suggests shakiness of Real Madrid defence in absence of Ramos. Bernabeu outfit's last nine games without Ramos in Champions League have resulted in seven defeats. Interestingly, this stat includes club's opening game defeat against Shakhtar as well. 

Ramos was suspended for clash against Manchester City in business end of Champions League last season. And Zidane's men lost out 1-2 at Etihad. Real Madrid could man to bag only two victories without Ramos against Club Brugge and last season as well as against Inter Milan this campaign. 

Also Read | Former Real Madrid boss labels LaLiga champions 'mediocre', says Inter could've done more

Im courtesy: Real Madrid Twitter