Ajax coach Erik ten Hag believes Real Madrid will feel the absence of "boss" Sergio Ramos in the second leg of their Champions League tie.

Ramos, 32, is suspended for Tuesday's clash at the Santiago Bernabeu, a last-16 tie Madrid lead 2-1 on aggregate.

The defender was given a two-match ban by UEFA, which found he had deliberately been booked in Amsterdam.

Ten Hag feels Madrid will miss the centre-back, saying: "Sergio is the boss on the pitch and in the backline.

"His absence is not only a tactical loss for them, but also mentally.

"His absence is a loss to Madrid. It is clear that without Ramos they are not going to be a better team."

Ten Hag wants Ajax to try to control the second leg in the Spanish capital as they aim to cause a huge upset.

"This Ajax takes the initiative in every game against every opponent. At least we have the intention to do so," he said.

"We managed to do so nearly every time."