Sergio Ramos Broke His Promise Regarding Penalties Last Night

Sergio Ramos struck twice in Real Madrid's 4-2 win over Girona in the Copa Del Rey quarter final first leg last night, busting out the 'Panenka penalty' once again for his first goal.

The Spaniard has a knack for replicating the cheeky chipped spot-kick made famous by the Czech legend but looked set to change his approach from November onwards after a conversation with Real Betis goalkeeper Pau Lopez.

"I don't think it's a lack of respect," the Spaniard said to Cadena Ser.

"At least that's not how I take it but I told him that after two in a row, the third one would be more complicated and he told me he wasn't going to take any more like that (laughs). In the end, he has a lot of confidence and he isn't missing them at the moment."

But after so much success from the spot of late, Ramos decided to continue in the same vain at the Bernabeu last night when Real were awarded a penalty just before half-time.

The former Sevilla defender made no mistake, delicately dinking the ball down the middle to put Los Blancos 2-1 up.

Antonin Panenka himself called Ramos "the best imitator" in an interview with Goal, while further expressing his pride during a chat with AS.

He said: "Ramos is undoubtedly one of the best in the world. It is not the first time he uses my shot, he is a regular, and I am glad that he is.

"I remember that the first ones he took were not the prettiest ones, but all have gone in, and that is the important thing in the end.

"It was one of the most elegantly executed Panenka penalties I've ever seen him do. I really enjoyed it and I appreciated it."

However despite his confidence from 12 yards, Ramos did note after the game that he cannot become predictable when it comes to his penalties.

Image: PA

"Taking a penalty in this manner is a way of expressing my individuality and the good moment I'm living through," the 32-year old said, as per MARCA.

"These penalties keep coming, but I can't get used to taking them in this way, I'll have to put it to one side."

Ramos has notched eight goals in all competitions this season along to round up his career goals tally to 101, which is pretty incredible for a defender.

Topics: Football News, Sergio Ramos, Football, Copa del Rey, Real Madrid, Girona

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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