Real Madrid have added the UEFA Super Cup to their Champions League crown after Dani Carvajal's wonderful solo goal in extra-time beat Sevilla.
Bale's absence in particular means Zidane will have to rethink how to provide support for the attack, and the opening in the starting XI is a big opportunity for one of the frustrated would-be stars of the squad to show his worth in an important match: James Rodriguez.
Ramos had allowed Sevilla to take the lead in the second half when he tripped up Vitolo in the box for a penalty, but he redeemed himself with a 93rd-minute header.
You can always rely on Sergio Ramos. So much changes in football in the summer months – managers and players switching clubs and even leagues, but Real Madrid's captain is a comforting constant in the game.
He gave away a penalty with a clumsy challenge on Vitolo in the second half of the European Super Cup final in Trondheim on Tuesday night but then headed in a last-minute equaliser to send the game into extra time.
Real Madrid: Casilla; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Casemiro, Kovacic, Isco; Asensio, Lucas Vázquez, Morata.
Sevilla: Rico; Ferreira, Pareja, Carriço, Kolo; Iborra, Vazquez, Iborra; Sarabia, Vitolo, Vietto.
