Jose Mourinho once employed a crazy strategy while managing Real Madrid.
He forced Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso to receive red cards.
This happened during Real Madrid's match against Ajax Amsterdam in the fifth round of the group stage of the 2010 Champions League.
At that time, Madrid was already leading 4-0, and had secured a spot in the round of 16, despite having one remaining group stage match.
Ramos and Alonso who had already received yellow cards in that match, were compelled by Mourinho to also get red cards.
This was intended to clear them of accumulated cards, even though they would have to miss one remaining group stage match that wouldn't affect their advancement.
Mourinho instructed Alonso and Ramos to deliberately waste time to receive a second yellow card.
As expected, Alonso and Ramos received the second yellow card for time-wasting.
Mourinho's mission succeeded; Alonso and Ramos were clear of card accumulations and could play safely in the knockout stages.
#mourinho #sergioramos #xabialonso #realmadrid
