Real Madrid will play life or death on Wednesday for their continuity in the Champions League. Opposite, at the Álfredo Di Stéfano stadium, will be Borussia Mönchengladbach that arrives in the capital of Spain without fear of anything and with the 'marathoner' of the 2020-2021 Champions League in the starting eleven. For the technician Marco Rose is a key piece in his scheme. Christoph Kramer is the 'lung' of the tournament.
The German midfielder is making history with Gladbach and is essential to contain the play of rival teams. It is not for less since its physical display is worthy of praise. Kramer is the footballer who has traveled the most kilometers of all the players in this edition of the Champions League. A total of 61,369 meters in the five matches that have already been played in the competition. About 3.5 kilometers more than the second in the standings, the Italian of Inter Milan, Nico Barella. German reliability at the service of Borussia Mönchengladbach. A few figures far above of the first madridista on the list. The French Ferland Mendy, who after playing every possible minute, has run only 51,723 meters. Near him, his compatriot Varane, 50,783 meters.
Footballers with more kilometers in the Champions 2020-21
| Player | Distance traveled | Minutes | Team |
| Christoph Kramer | 61,369 meters | 450 | B. Mönchengladbach |
| Nicolo Barella | 57,821 meters | 438 | Inter Milan |
| Dušan Tadić | 57.633 meters | 450 | Ajax |
| Hans vanaken | 57,328 meters | 442 | Witches |
| Florian Neuhaus | 55,633 meters | 429 | B. Mönchengladbach |
Kramer, at 29, is one of the players most valued by Bundesliga coaches. In the past he was associated with Real Madrid when he was part of the ranks of Bayer Leverkusen, but finally the possible interest did not materialize and the Brazilian Lucas Silva was the one who reinforced Carlo Ancelotti's team.
Kramer doesn't remember winning the World Cup
For many, Kramer's name came to the fore in the 2014 World Cup final when he had to leave the game at half an hour in shock after a clash with Garay. The blow was of such magnitude that he does not remember that he was a World Champion. His disorientation was of such caliber that hee told Neuer that he wanted to “play goalkeeper”; He tried to change his shirt with referee Rizzoli and put on Lahm's captain's armband. Even He even congratulated his teammate Thomas Müller on the victory in the '74 World Cup, mistaking him for Gerd Müller. All this before leaving the pitch replaced by Schürrle.
Neuhaus, the new 'Netzer' is your fatigue companion
Not only Kramer is among the footballers who have traveled the most distance. His partner in Gladbach's midfield, Florian Neuhaus, is close behind with 55,633 meters. More than 11 kilometers per game. Together they do the function of two tractors that threaten to overwhelm the Real Madrid midfield and leave him in the gutter in the Champions League. A serious physical and quality hazard.
Neuhaus, considered one of the new stars of German football, has been uncovered in these Champions League not only because of his great ability during matches but also because of his immense talent and room for improvement. It is not surprising that the new 'Netzer' is closely followed by Bayern Munich. Talent, physical and youth, 23 years old.