'Of course we missed our captain' - Solari laments Ramos' absence

Real Madrid lost 4-1 to Ajax on Tuesday night as they were knocked out of the Champions League, losing 5-3 on aggregate, and Santiago Solari has emphasised the absence of Sergio Ramos to suspension in his post-match interview.

To go with Ramos' unavailability, Madrid lost Lucas Vazquez and Vinicius Junior to injury within the first 30 minutes.

"Of course," Solari said to Movistar when asked about whether they missed Ramos.

"Without talking badly about any of our players, of course we missed our captain."

This has been a very difficult season for those involved with Los Blancos in the first year post-Cristiano Ronaldo and post-Zinedine Zidane.

"The season is difficult, but we are here to show our heart and character in difficult moments," added Solari.

"Easy moments are easy for everyone, you can climb up and surf them, but difficult moments you have to show bravery."

When asked about what the club must do, Solari emphasised that rash decisions should not be made in the heat of the moment.

"What we must do is remain as calm as possible in such a difficult moment and take it on with the best character," he said.

"Madrid is bigger than any of us - it always returns - and returns even stronger."