"I thought they (Real Madrid) were woeful, I really did. From the highs of getting a good result on Saturday to really low lows tonight." "Defensively the right-back (Danilo) and left-back (Marcelo) were just over the place , coupled with Pepe and Ramos who looked like they haven't played with each other before".
It was like schoolboy, Under-10s or Under -12s defending . On the second goal , Marcelo walks across with his arms behind his back and Maximilian Arnold gets two yards ahead of Ramos", were the words of former Real Madrid midfielder Steve Mcmanaman on the woeful performance of the Real Madrid defence on yesterday's quarter final match with Wolfsburg which Madrid lost 2-0.

While hailed as one of the world's best defender and the best sweeper defender of his generation in the game, Sergio Ramos has gone from Hero of the 2014 Champions League victory to Zero. In the last two seasons, the Andalusian's form has been abysmal at best as he struggled throughout the World Cup in 2014 together with his defensive partner Gerard Pique as Spain crashed out of the World Cup in the first round, with the likes of Netherlands and Chile qualifying in the Group.

This season, he has been sent off on numerous occasions and in the last game against Barcelona, it was the same story making it the 21st time he was sent off in since his move to Real Madrid in 2005 from Sevilla, becoming the most sent off player in Real Madrid's history . Also his stats this season are worrying as he has played only 19 games this season due consistent injuries and suspension. Also he has made a mere 11 tackles all season with a low success rate of 48% , coupled with his 13 interceptions and 27 clearances.

With age not on his side (30), and losing a lot of pace in his game, there is need for Real Madrid to sign a worthy replacement for not just him but also Pepe who seems worse off at 33 years . While Raphael Varane has improved with his elegance and pace on the ball, it is his judgement and positioning that still remains in doubt as he has shown time and time again he can't be Real Madrid's defensive mainstay at the moment.

Ramos is one of the most talented defenders that has ever played the game as he can play in different defensive positions (right back, centre back and defensive midfield) but he has clearly shown signs of a decline and must be properly managed. While it is too early to move him on or drop him on the bench , pairing him with a top class defender next season will certainly spare him a lot of criticism. It is now more than obvious that while Real Madrid's attack struggles to break down teams bent on playing on the counter, their own (Madrid) defence isn't as organised as it used to be and are fond of conceding when pressed .

This summer , Florentino Perez clearly has to make some difficult choices. While the right and left back first choice's of Marcelo and Dani Carvajal can be termed "Perfect" it is in the centre of the defence that needs strengthening as both Pepe and Ramos have proved they have lost some basic defensive qualities needed to remain in the top level of football. Also right-back Danilo, has had a season to forget as games against Barcelona (home) and Wolfsburg (away) have shown .

In conclusion, Real Madrid need some defensive strengthening to compete with the likes of Barcelona in La Liga and Champions League next summer .

Source
http://mailtelegraph..com.ng/2016/04/real-madrids-loss-at-wolfsburg-show.html?m=1