Share

First final like losing my virginity - Ramos

Cape Town - Hero of Real Madrid's Champions League triumph two years ago, defender Sergio Ramos compared his first final experience to losing his virginity ahead Saturday's clash with Atletico Madrid in a rematch of the 2014 final.

Ramos broke Atletico's hearts with his stoppage time equaliser to deny Diego Simeone's men a first ever European Cup before a rampant Real ran out 4-1 winners after extra-time.

"The first time is like when you make love, you always remember it, but after it is true you can improve," said the Spanish international on Tuesday.

"The first one has a special taste because I was the protagonist with a great goal, but I am optimistic and ambitious.

"I like to turn the page and continue filling my honours list. Hopefully I'll have the good fortune to lift (the Champions League) again."

Atletico have bounced back from the blow at Lisbon with just one defeat in the subsequent 10 Madrid derbies since.

However, that also saw Real get the upper hand in last season's Champions League quarterfinal tie between the two as another late strike from Javier Hernandez sent Los Blancos into the last four.

"We are very clear in the ideas we have, in what we want to do and how to approach this game," added Ramos.

"We know the opponent very well. We know the team we will have in front of us and, unless perhaps they have changed their style and philosophy, it is Atletico Madrid.

"We know it will be a very competitive, hard game against a side that plays with a lot of intensity and character."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
loading... Live
Barcelona 1
Paris SG 2
loading... Live
Borussia Dortmund 2
Atletico Madrid 1
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1804 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1767 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1067 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 451 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 184 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
4% - 248 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE