Sergio Ramos (L) in action during Real Madrid's Champions League last 16, first leg away at Ajax. AFP/File/EMMANUEL DUNAND
Since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane, things have not been the same for Los Blancos.
With Real out of the Copa del Rey and 12 points behind Barcelona in the La Liga table, this may be their only chance of winning a significant trophy this season.
Should they fail to impress and end the season without major silverware in the cabinet, this will surely be the end of Santiago Solari’s time at the club.
Ajax, on the other hand, seem hungrier than ever to claim back their status as one of football’s major European powers.
The Amsterdam outfit made their first big statement of intent two season ago when the team reached the Europa League final under former manager Peter Bosz. Despite an eventual defeat to Manchester United, Ajax are clearly rising in stock.
Incredibly, Real are coming into this game having won only one of their last four games. In that time, Solari’s men have managed to score three goals and conceded seven.
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