Real Madrid threat for Liverpool in Champions League

Coach Ramos says Madrid won't let recent success take their focus away from Liverpool game

Coach Ramos says Madrid won't let recent success take their focus away from Liverpool game

Real Madrid's Arjen Robben during a training session in Madrid yesterday. PIC/AP

Not so long ago Madrid were a club in crisis, but since the arrival of the former Tottenham boss just prior to Christmas the Spanish giants have enjoyed a remarkable turnaround in fortune.

Under Ramos, Madrid have won 10 out of 11 competitive matches and each of their last nine in the league, scoring 22 goals and conceding just two in the process.

Super run
That winning streak, combined with runaway leaders Barcelona slipping up in their last two matches, has seen second-placed Madrid cut the gap on their arch rivals from 12 points to seven in La Liga, and breathed life back into a title race that looked dead and buried.

It has also led to increased optimism and expectations amongst both the media and Madrid supporters, but Ramos is confident his players have their emotions under control. "I think it's more an atmosphere of optimism than euphoria. We are calm and happy at how things are developing in the league because it gives us security and confidence going into games," Ramos said, whose side thrashed Real Betis 6-1 on Saturday with all the goals coming in the first half.

"Maybe some fans are more happy and euphoric than others but the dressing room isn't like that and I'm happy with the state of the team and the way the players are approaching the game.

"It is a very tough and difficult tie and we have to work hard to get through."

Ramos did admit his side need the fans to help make home advantage count right from the start today though, just like the Liverpool supporters are sure to do in the return leg at Anfield.

"I've no doubt that these types of games really appeal to the fans and they will be behind us at the Bernabeu," he said.

"We need the fans now when the tie is 0-0 and not when we are 3-0 up, and I know that they will be behind us throughout."

Poor record
Madrid may head out onto the Bernabeu pitch in good form domestically but there are still big question marks over their European credentials.

The Whites have been knocked out at the last-16 stage in each ofu00a0 the last four seasons, and they lost twice in the group stages this term before progressing as runners-up to Juventus.

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