Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has admitted that he picked up an intentional booking towards the end of his side's victory over Ajax to ensure availability for the Champions League quarter-finals.
The reigning European champions were made to sweat in Amsterdam, but eventually powered through to a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio.
Ajax struck back with Hakim Ziyech's goal to keep a slither of hope going into March's second leg, while they also felt aggrieved when Nicolas Tagliafico's opener was chalked off in controversial circumstances by the VAR.
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Ramos, meanwhile, will miss the return match after receiving a yellow card 89 minutes into the game, for a foul he later hinted was committed on purpose.