Real Madrid have their biggest week ahead of them, and perhaps the most crucial spell of games in terms of both domestic and European football.
In less than a week, Los Blancos face off against Juventus and Barcelona before taking on Valencia and Liverpool and it is clear that they cannot afford to take their foot off the gas even momentarily.
Of the games scheduled, however, El Clasico stands out as perhaps the single-most important one and Xabi Alonso will look to win his first game against Barcelona as the Real Madrid coach.
Speaking to El Chiringuito ahead of the upcoming Clasico, Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos was asked about his opinion on what would unfold.
The former captain, clearly still loyal to his former employers, reiterated that his loyalty would always lie with Real Madrid.
"The upcoming Clasico? You already know my heart is white until death."
"I hope Madrid wins and my brother Kyky [ Kylian Mbappe] puts up a great performance," he added on his expectations from the game.
While Ramos and Mbappe never crossed paths at the Spanish capital, they were teammates at PSG and share a special bond.
The former Real Madrid defender joked that he would use his friendship with the forward to motivate him and keep him prepared for the Clasico.
"I will speak to Kylian Mbappe from now till the Clasico and motivate him for the game."
Last season, Real Madrid were swept clean by Barcelona in all the Clasicos of the campaign and never really boasted a chance of getting the better of their rivals.
A lot has changed this time around, especially with Los Blancos looking more reassuring than last season and Barcelona more fragile.
Given that they will have the home advantage as well, there is good reason to believe in a Real Madrid win manifesting.