Tchouaméni has been having to improvise as a defender because of a series of injuries to Madrid's regular starters, and he was targeted by fans after a few costly mistakes and poor performances in important matches, including a 5-2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in January.

The first time Real Madrid met Atlético Madrid in the Champions League final, Ramos produced one of the most iconic moments in the competition's history. Simeone's men had a 0–1 lead heading into stoppage time, but the Real Madrid center back headed home an equalizer in the 93rd minute.

Real Madrid fans and players celebrated their hard-fought win against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday to earn a quarter-final berth in the Champions League, but manager Carlo Ancelotti was more relieved than rapturous at what he said was a subpar performance.