Ronaldo-Ramos war leaves Real Madrid in disarray

The Champions League winners Real Madrid are at war behind the scenes as the two captains Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo continue a public falling out.

According to reports in Spain, with Zidane's side eight points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, tensions are escalating between two of the club's biggest stars. Spanish newspaper Marca claimed that the Portuguese star Ronaldo's stark assessment of where it has gone wrong have not gone down well in the dressing room.

Following the Champions League defeat against Tottenham, Ronaldo attributed the downturn in form to the loss of James Rodriguez, Pepe and Alvaro Morata in the summer. All three departed as Real pursued a more youthful first-team pool to freshen up a squad that had won back-to-back Champions Leagues.

Ramos offered a firm rebuttal, highlighting how Real had triumphed over Manchester United and Barcelona to win two Super Cup, with young players coming to the fore in the process.

The trio that departed in the summer are seen as key allies of Ronaldo, including countryman Fabio Coentrao, with Rodriguez a close personal friend.

The 31-year-old Spanish star enjoys a good relationship with the young blood featuring Nacho, Marco Asensio and Dani Ceballos, while retaining the trust of key players such as Dani Carvajal and Isco.

However, Ramos' recent comments are rubbing salt in the wounds from his open courtship of Neymar. After Spain's 3-3 draw with Russia when Ramos was asked if Cristiano is leaving, he said, “Ask him, I don't know about these things.” Ramos claims that 'the door is open' for Neymar at the Bernabeu.